
first image
'house in aoto' by high land design in katsushika, japan
all images courtesy high land design
tokyo-based practice high land design has completed 'house in aoto', a multi-storey private home
in a developed area of katsushika, japan. situated on a site measuring less than 80 m2, the design organizes
the dwelling vertically by staggering the domestic programs around a central staircase.
facing a heavily used road to the north, the simple form exhibits a closed street facade while small
square-shaped openings diversely mark the surface. the parapet circumscribing the roof level
has been extended to exaggerate the height and presence of the building.

(left) entrance
(right) beginning of staircase
seeking to establish an effortless circulation system within the house, the layout of the interior is
integrated into the movement of the central spiral staircase. each landing serves as a defined platform on
which an individual program is accommodated. on the ground level, the entrance is met with a garage and
an office. communal programs such as the kitchen, living, and dining area are spread out on three terraced
zones on the storey above. the subtle separation in height provides distinction between functions while
maintaining a sense of connection between inhabitants. private quarters - bedrooms, bathroom - are located
on the third level and are set apart on higher platforms for additional privacy.

interior view

living space

central spiral staircase


leading up to roof terrace

platformed room


skylight above staircase

stairs leading up to roof terrace

terrace at night

axonometric with program
Very nice design but look at the 3. picture aircon is in drop
unacceptable !!
yes, please just stick it in the middle of a wall instead
much more acceptable
looks great