FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Unveiling Lap and Wrap: A Unique House Design by Hatsuo Morimoto

Hatsuo Morimoto, a renowned Japanese residential architect, has unveiled a groundbreaking U-shaped house design named Lap and Wrap. The design, completed in September 2022 in Nagoya, Japan, emphasizes privacy and integration with nature, offering a unique living experience for its occupants.

The Lap and Wrap house is a single-story structure with a floor area of 138m2, situated on a 401m2 site. The innovative design features a horizontally elongated layout, providing a sense of privacy by concealing the living space from the road. The building's specific gravity is pushed up, and the outer wall unfolds in a belt-like shape, creating a visually striking yet harmonious integration with the surrounding environment.

What sets this design apart is the rational combination of the retaining wall and building foundation, with the surplus part returned to the courtyard. The foundation, slanted rather than vertical, adds a unique shape and expression to the structure. While the outer wall has no windows on the outside, the garden side features numerous windows and eaves, creating an intermediate area that seamlessly integrates the indoors and outdoors.

Notably, the outer wall material is made from recycled paper pulp and coffee grounds generated by Starbucks, showcasing a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to construction. The living space, completed on one floor, is designed to connect seamlessly with the garden, offering a sense of presence and privacy to the occupants.

The Lap and Wrap design has received accolades, including the prestigious Bronze A' Design Award in the Architecture, Building, and Structure Design category in 2024. This recognition highlights the design's outstanding creativity, technical skill, and contribution to quality of life improvements.

Hatsuo Morimoto's innovative approach to residential architecture reflects a commitment to creating living spaces that not only provide comfort and privacy but also contribute to the vitality of the city. With a focus on integrating the inside and outside of the house, Morimoto's designs aim to enhance the relationship between people and their surroundings, redefining the role of the home in urban environments.

-END-