Rooftecture S by Shuhei Endo

Ever heard about this guy? Shuhei Endo?

You're wrong if you think that he is not as popular as Shigeru Ban or Tadao Ando. He has received numerous prizes you know, including the Andrea Palladio International Prize in Italy. Most of all his works were given a 'tecture' name. Growtecture, Slowtecture, Springtecture and more.

Rooftecture S really caught my attention. The book says he has fashioned an intelligent response to the narrow and abrupt site. Yes i strongly agree and really hope there will be an action from any related party in architecture world to introduce this brilliant ideas for our future. Logically, land price is increasing every year and what's left for us; the not-so-wealthy community, in the future is just a small and irregular piece of land that comes with an 'affordable' price.

So don't worry people. There are ways to make that kind of site to be useful. At least to shed 2 people in a time; you and your husband/wife. Take this as your example, your inspiration:

Rooftecture S, Kobe, Japan.

Perched on a retaining wall, this 66 metre square steel frame house has a wrap-around roof. Well, suits best with its name. Without the existance of this house, i bet; everyone will see this site as unusable. See it yourself, it is on a steep slope.


But i'll be okay if i were to live in this small house- it's facing the Inland Sea, man! I don't care where that 'Inland' Sea is, but as long as it is a sea, then it will be priceless.

u-oh.. its interior, sleek and exclusive! You don't need a curtain since the facades that facing the east-west sides are almost blank walls, only few small windows that perfectly capture the view to the sea while you are eating or washing the dishes.


Bedroom? Well.. it is an open plan bedroom. No walls no partition, just an I-steel-column in between the living and the sleeping area. And there's a patio at the back of the house for you to loafing and partying with friends on weekends.


See.. You got a small piece of land in a difficult and tight location, facing the sea, owning a house which has everything that you need; sleeping, eating and living areas, a bathroom, a kitchen, a deck. So what's more? It's perfect! But never ask for a car porch.......