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Murakoshi House: A Futuristic Approach to Urban Housing

Hiroki Watanabe's Murakoshi House is a groundbreaking urban house design that integrates floodwaters into its architecture, creating a safe and comfortable living space in a challenging environment. Situated in Ota Ward, Tokyo, Japan, the house is designed to withstand the risk of flooding in a densely populated area, while also considering recent climate change effects and rising electricity costs.

The unique pentagonal shape of the site, facing a three-way street and adjacent to a waterway prone to flooding, posed a complex challenge. Watanabe's design prioritizes safety and comfort by creating a three-dimensional openness to light, wind, people, cars, and water, allowing for natural elements to flow into the interior while deflecting water. The house features a drive-through garage with a high foundation and a monolithic facade, ensuring safety and comfort for the residents.

With a focus on future urban housing and natural disaster resilience, the Murakoshi House sets a new standard for innovative, practical, and aesthetically pleasing architectural design. The house's construction, featuring a wooden structure, two stories above ground with a loft, maximizes the building-to-land ratio and minimizes the impact of flooding, all while providing a private and comfortable living space for its residents.

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