Japanese Architect Designs Home with Earthquake-Proof Climbable Bookshelf

Earthquake Proof Floor-to-Ceiling Bookshelf by Architect Shinsuke Fujii

Designed by Japanese architect Shinsuke Fujii, House in Shinyoshida is a small, contemporary home with a slanted wall, situated in a hillside neighborhood of Yokohama, Japan. Incorporated into the western-facing diagonal wall is a prominent floor-to-ceiling bookshelf, which not only allows the homeowners to easily access hard-to-reach books—with its shelves also acting as a ladder—but also ensures that the books won’t spill out in the event of an earthquake, which is common in this part of Japan.

The bookcase acts as a design focal point, but it’s integral to the structural stability of the home. Reinforced with concrete and wood, it extends onto an upper level, which features a sunlit lounge. Each slanted upright of the bookshelf acutely extends into exposed roof beams, accentuating the home’s bold interior lines.

Outside, the structure’s oblique exterior features vertical strips of metal cladding in matte charcoal grey. The thin, slotted windows of the kitchen and dining areas provide privacy from the street, while the larger upper windows flood the space with light. Altogether it makes a perfect oasis for the bibliophile with an eye for natural minimalism.

Japanese Architects Shinsuke Fujii have designed a home featuring a slanted floor-to-ceiling, earthquake-proof bookshelf.

Earthquake Proof Floor-to-Ceiling Bookshelf by Architect Shinsuke Fujii

Earthquake Proof Floor-to-Ceiling Bookshelf by Architect Shinsuke Fujii

It’s slanted angle also allows the homeowners climb the structure to access hard-to-reach books.

Earthquake Proof Floor-to-Ceiling Bookshelf by Architect Shinsuke Fujii

Earthquake Proof Floor-to-Ceiling Bookshelf by Architect Shinsuke Fujii

Earthquake Proof Floor-to-Ceiling Bookshelf by Architect Shinsuke Fujii

Earthquake Proof Floor-to-Ceiling Bookshelf by Architect Shinsuke Fujii

Earthquake Proof Floor-to-Ceiling Bookshelf by Architect Shinsuke Fujii

Shinsuke Fujii: Website
h/t: [Spoon & Tamago]

All images via Shinsuke Fujii.

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Emma Taggart

Emma Taggart is a Contributing Writer at My Modern Met. Originally from Northern Ireland, she is an artist now based in Berlin. After graduating with a BA in Fashion and Textile Design in 2013, Emma decided to combine her love of art with her passion for writing. Emma has contributed to various art and culture publications, with an aim to promote and share the work of inspiring modern creatives. While she writes every day, she’s also devoted to her own creative outlet—Emma hand-draws illustrations and is currently learning 2D animation.
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