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Wedge House: A Creative Solution for Challenging Sloped Terrain in Ikeda City, Osaka

Wedge House, conceived by Kiyoshi Sugimoto of Sync Studio, stands as a testament to architectural ingenuity on a demanding site at the foot of Mt. Satsuki in Ikeda City, Osaka Prefecture. The project began in September 2022 and reached completion in June 2024, overcoming the constraints of a narrow plot, steep slope, and a strict 40% building coverage regulation. The design's hallmark is its wedge-shaped cross-section, which minimizes the footprint on the old retaining wall and maximizes living space and panoramic views of the Osaka plains.

The three-story residence employs a mixed structure: a reinforced concrete basement and two upper floors constructed from wood. The basement, nestled securely into the slope, serves as a tranquil bedroom, while the first floor houses water facilities and a study that opens to the greenery of the adjacent park. The second floor, the largest and most prominent, is dedicated to living and dining, featuring a sky terrace that frames sweeping southern vistas. Silver galvalume steel plates on the east and west walls not only support the cantilevered upper floors but also enhance the home's visual integration with its environment.

Wedge House's innovative form and structural solutions are the result of extensive research into stable, protruding wooden structures on challenging terrain. By reducing the building's area as it descends, the design alleviates pressure on the aging retaining wall, ensuring both safety and longevity. This project exemplifies how thoughtful design can harmonize regulatory, environmental, and aesthetic demands, earning recognition with the Bronze A' Design Award for its contribution to quality of life and architectural advancement.

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