Imagine stepping back in time to 1942. You are now standing in front of the Kunio Maekawa House. This is not just any house. It’s a testament to a unique moment in Japanese architectural history. Kunio Maekawa a renowned modernist architect designed this house for himself.
The Kunio Maekawa House represents a fascinating blend. It combines modernism with traditional Japanese influences. This fusion wasn’t Maekawa’s initial style. He was a devoted follower of Le Corbusier embracing Western concepts. Most of his projects were large concrete public buildings. Think city halls, music halls, libraries and museums. However the Kunio Maekawa House stands apart.
Why does the Kunio Maekawa House look so different? It’s essential to remember the year it was built. It was 1942 the second year of World War II. The war significantly impacted construction. Showing patriotism was crucial during wartime. This created a complex situation for Maekawa. He had been a champion of Le Corbusier style modernism. Perhaps Maekawa felt compelled to explore traditional Japanese architecture.
Material shortages also played a role in the design of the Kunio Maekawa House. Resources were diverted to support the war effort. Steel wasn’t available for construction. This led to the use of timber. The Kunio Maekawa House is a rare example of Maekawa designing in timber. When steel was available he preferred it.
Interestingly Maekawa didn’t design the house alone. He entrusted the job to Kosaburo Sakitani. Sakitani was Maekawa’s chief staff member. Sakitani’s journey back to Tokyo influenced the design. He stopped at the Ise Shrine. The Ise Shrine inspired Sakitani to incorporate large gable roofs with a central column.
Modernist designs typically feature flat roofs. It might have been a difficult decision for Maekawa to accept gable roofs. But he did. Maekawa lived in this house until 1974. The Kunio Maekawa House wasn’t just a home. After his office was bombed in 1945 it also served as his office. Maekawa his wife and his employees shared the space. This continued until he opened a new office in 1954.
Maekawa loved this house so much. He saved all the original materials when he built a new house in 1974. He intended to use them for his second house. Sadly he passed away in 1986 before he could start. In 1997 the Kunio Maekawa House was restored at the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum. Architecture historian Terunobu Fujimori played a key role in this restoration. They used the original materials.
The plan of the Kunio Maekawa House is Western. The interior reflects this influence. The mezzanine overlooking the double height living space is reminiscent of Corbusier’s designs. Details such as the horizontal sliding window also show Corbusier’s influence. The section and structure of the house are Japanese. The roof and the four circular timber columns stand out. The gable roof and the placement of the columns reference the Ise Shrine.
Today the Kunio Maekawa House stands as a reminder. It represents a blend of modernism and tradition. It embodies resourcefulness during wartime. More than anything it showcases the genius of Kunio Maekawa.