This Just In: Peekaboo Stairwell, Fukuoka, Japan
We take a closer look at the nitty-gritty details of a quirky staircase project uploaded to Houzz this week
When Masahiko Sato of Architect-Show in Japan was commissioned to design a family home in which parents would be able to easily keep their eye on playing children, he added cute and colourful cut-outs to the stairwell and along the mezzanine balcony. Here we’ve interviewed the architect to find out more about this peekaboo project.
What was the brief for the whole project?
My main concept was to create a cheerful atmosphere and place for children to play in safely. In this family home the design supports easy communication between family members even if they are in different living areas, such as the living room, dining room and mezzanine study.
How was this achieved?
One of the main ways this happens is via a staircase that features colourful slit openings through which the family can talk to each other. The children like to peek through these holes to see their parents in the kitchen or living room below. (There is also a swing and climbing wall designed for them in a narrow courtyard that runs adjacent to the living room.)
My main concept was to create a cheerful atmosphere and place for children to play in safely. In this family home the design supports easy communication between family members even if they are in different living areas, such as the living room, dining room and mezzanine study.
How was this achieved?
One of the main ways this happens is via a staircase that features colourful slit openings through which the family can talk to each other. The children like to peek through these holes to see their parents in the kitchen or living room below. (There is also a swing and climbing wall designed for them in a narrow courtyard that runs adjacent to the living room.)
What is the material used to build the stairs?
Japanese cedar
Describe the success of the cut-out stair design. What do you love about it?
The children and their parents can talk to each over two levels. For instance, when the mum is working in the kitchen, she can chat to the kids who may be sitting in the study or on the landing upstairs. She can also watch the children when they are on the climbing wall or swing just outside.
How are the stairs used to best effect?
The design of the stairs and the peekaboo slits in particular allow the family to see and talk to each as they move from floor to floor. The cut-outs also break up the flat plane of the stairwell wall and provide vibrant visual interest in the main living spaces.
Why does it work?
This project is firmly focused on the relationships between family members and I think my design fosters this sentiment.
Japanese cedar
Describe the success of the cut-out stair design. What do you love about it?
The children and their parents can talk to each over two levels. For instance, when the mum is working in the kitchen, she can chat to the kids who may be sitting in the study or on the landing upstairs. She can also watch the children when they are on the climbing wall or swing just outside.
How are the stairs used to best effect?
The design of the stairs and the peekaboo slits in particular allow the family to see and talk to each as they move from floor to floor. The cut-outs also break up the flat plane of the stairwell wall and provide vibrant visual interest in the main living spaces.
Why does it work?
This project is firmly focused on the relationships between family members and I think my design fosters this sentiment.
TELL US
Does your home feature a cleverly designed set of stairs? Share a photo of your staircase in the Comments section.
MORE
On the Way Up: Stairs That Elevate to a New Level
Look-at-Me Stairs That Help a Home Rise to Greatness
A Whole New Level: 10 Mezzanine Ideas to Look Up to
Does your home feature a cleverly designed set of stairs? Share a photo of your staircase in the Comments section.
MORE
On the Way Up: Stairs That Elevate to a New Level
Look-at-Me Stairs That Help a Home Rise to Greatness
A Whole New Level: 10 Mezzanine Ideas to Look Up to
Project name: H-house, also named ‘Race Round the House’ due to the features the architect has incorporated to appeal to children
The feature we love: A staircase and its cut-out spaces
Architect: Masahiko Sato of Architect-Show
Location: Fukuoka, Japan
Timeframe: July, 2012 – December, 2012
Cost: Approximately AUD$10,000 for the stairs
See more of this home