JIKKA: A Retirement Home in the Mountain Area of Shizuoka

Having friends until death separates may be the motto of this pair of friends. The two 60-year-old friends used to work as social workers in Tokyo and decided to move to rural Shizuoka. Unmitigated, the area he chose was an area that was a mountainous area. Even though they have moved to rural areas, these two people still carry out social activities for the surrounding residents.

To support these activities, of course, they must have facilities that meet the same. Issei Suma, an architect from Japan showed his design skills from the design of a house named Jikka. Yep! Jikka is the home of the two friends. A 100m2 house located in a mountainous area and beautiful trees.

The shape is not like a house in general. The house which is divided into 5 parts is designed based on the function of each room. The size and height of the space will also vary.

The space in the house is the bedroom, utility and storage room, guest room, guest bathroom, and dining room and kitchen as the center of this house. Each room has a square floor plan that is adjusted in proportion to form properly. The large dining room is used to do social work, namely cooking and feeding to the elderly community.

There are 2 entrances to this house, both of which are next to the dining room. In addition to these two doors, three windows in this house designed from the floor of the building can also be used for circulation in and out of the building, namely windows in guest rooms, dining rooms and near storage rooms. The roof in the bedroom and dining room is designed with a circle frame with a glass cover that is used as a skylight in the room.

The dining room, which is the main center of activity, has a monumental impression. This is because the height of the roof is about 8 meters from the floor of the room. In contrast to the exterior of the building which is covered by wood material, the interior in this house uses concrete material that is smoothed on the floor and walls, while the roof is composed of wooden beams painted white. Do not forget also the lights arranged on the walls of the house.

The kitchen in the dining room area is designed as a large-scale cooking area. It is shown by the large stainless steel kitchen and long serving table. This area is indeed a place for homeowners to welcome and serve guests who come to their homes.

Their guests can also stay in guest rooms. Their guests here are not only limited to local residents but their parents or their friends who come to visit this pair of friends. Equipped with windows, wardrobe, and also a mattress that fits for two people. The low ceiling of the room gives the impression of being in a cocoon.

Guest rooms are also equipped with a bathroom that supports the disabled. Judging from the shape of the bathtub which is equipped with a rotating ramp so that it can be accessed by wheelchair.

This house does look unique and beautiful. With mountain views behind it and various circulation accesses to the house that make it easy for guests to enter from various directions. A happy retirement home to live old age, isn't it?

source: Issei Suma | jikka