A Case Study of Space Utilization on Compact Houses in Japan to build Compact-but-effective Houses in Korea

강소주택 실효성 논의를 위한 일본 소형주택 공간 활용 사례 분석

The objective of this study is to find a possible application of small space utilization of GangSo Housing, so called compact-but-effective housing, through analyzing that of Japanese small housing. We analyze openness of view and flexibility of spaces divided by the physical and architectural aspects as first component and the psychological and interior space aspects as second component. The results showed that Japanese small houses have various unit plan compared to uniformity of Korean houses. Openness of view in Japanese small housing is accomplished by letting in light from the outside using position and shape of the window, looking more spacious using courtyard, void spaces, or sliding door hanging from the ceiling, and creating deception of view using floor-wall plan and appropriate materials. Flexibility of spaces is achieved by combination of first and second components, multipurpose of space and furniture, and variety of storage methods. It is necessary to improve spatial efficiency with consideration of volume-metric planing rather than flat-plane and develop various unit plans to meet residents' needs and demands on compact-but-effective houses.