Heaven's Ship Capsule House by NKS Architects in Fukuoka, Japan

Project: Heaven's Ship Capsule House Architects: NKS Architects Location: Fukuoka, Japan Area: 286.7 sq.m Year: 2022 Photography: Yashiro Photo Office

Heaven's Ship Capsule House by NKS Architects

Experience the stunning architectural beauty of the Heaven's Ship Capsule House, a unique architectural structure by NKS Architects located in Fukuoka, Japan. Designed to harmonize with the suburban environment, this house is intended for a couple seeking spacious interiors both for daily life and cozy gatherings. The distinctive roof shape resembling a vessel covers the house, protecting it from the outside world and inviting the sky into the interior. Adhering to a privacy concept, the perimeter fence has minimal openings, and the internal walls are softly curved, creating an elegant backdrop for art and decoration.

The design is deeply rooted in a connection with nature. On one side, the inner courtyard invites various forms of openings that let in natural light, fresh air, and greenery. Despite its modest exterior appearance, the interior of the house unfolds as a bright and spacious space. Supported by radial laminated wooden beams, the dome creates a symphony of curves embracing the sky, collecting rainwater and creating gentle light play. The Heaven's Ship Capsule House fits perfectly into its surroundings, offering not only a secluded retreat but also a gallery and a place for unforgettable gatherings. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature, surrounded by elegant curves and a gentle embrace of the sky.

This is a house for a couple living in a suburban residential area. While the living space was important, they also needed a spacious interior capable of accommodating many guests since clients often met colleagues or friends with shared hobbies. They also wanted an open and spacious garden for parties and other events.

The site is surrounded by houses and apartments, with a busy road in front. As this house is located in a typical suburban residential area, the goal was to design a building that enhances the surrounding environment and landscape while maintaining privacy within the house.

A large roof in the shape of a vessel was installed on the building's perimeter, which has an irregular circular plan. The roof blocks views from surrounding areas while bringing the sky inside. The perimeter fence features a green garden on its outer edge, as the site is large enough for this. Openings in the perimeter are minimal: tall side windows and ventilation windows, with softly curved plastered interior walls serving as a backdrop for paintings and other decorations.

From the courtyard side, there are various large openings of different forms that ensure a sufficient airflow, light, and greenery inside the space. Although the building appears closed from the outside, the interior is bright and open.

The wooden beams supporting the roof are arranged radially from a central point in the same shape. To ensure sufficient width and height for each space, the distance from the center to the outer perimeter wall gradually changes. The perimeter fence is symmetrical both horizontally and vertically, consisting of two different radii.

From the front road, garage, and private entrance, ceilings are lower, whereas living rooms and dining areas where people gather feature higher ceilings. Through these methods, various zones with different courtyard sizes and ceiling height variations are created within the large roofed space.

The project aimed for an open building that can enjoy a rich natural environment even in a residential area and serve not only as a personal space but also as a gallery or venue for parties. The curved tile roof frames the sky, collects rainwater, and softly reflects sunlight. Sitting on a bench in the inner courtyard and looking up, we feel as though we are part of nature, integrated with the sky.

–NKS Architects