Facing the splendid Sagami Bay, Koshigoe is a small municipality in Kamakura, a city located south of Yokohama.The area is commonly known for its historical events, as well as a touristic gathering spot.

▼项目概览，overall of the project

The town development follows the east-west direction parallel to the coast line given by the main road and the Enoshima Electric Railway. The latter one, in particular, has a big role in the village since it’s one of the first electric railways opened in Japan back in 1902. Since Koshigoe’s expansion started after the rails’ completion, the result is a unique situation in which the train runs exceptionally in close proximity to the dwellings. Initially built back in 1971 as a two-storeys family house, Koshigoe House finds itself right in front of the train tracks. Being part of a wider dense area, the only access is placed south along the rails.

The client asked to transform the first floor into his herbal pharmacy and rearrange the second storey for a one person apartment. Pharmacies and other commercial activities in Japan are required to provide their own independent public access, but the adjacent surrounding constructions impede a second approach to the premises. Consequently, the design team decided to keep the existing entrance for both public and private functions.

▼主入口，entrance of the project