K2YT arranges garden courtyards throughout house k in tokyo

K2YT arranges garden courtyards throughout house k in tokyo
photo by satoshi asakawa
all images courtesy of K2YT

in order to negotiate a densely packed residential area of tokyo, design studio K2YT carefully arranges ‘house k’ to regulate urban noise, while still allowing plenty of daylight, ventilation, and outdoor spaces. the residence is located on a corner lot with two street-facing elevations, and is situated adjacent to an elevated railway to the north. the building volume is characterized by a porous envelope, which is composed of many large windows and garden terraces.

the elevations are composed with an irregular arrangement of openings for windows, doors, and terraces
photo by satoshi asakawa

the structure accommodates two families, and divides the rectangular form into four floors. each level includes six spaces, which are infilled either as rooms or small courtyards, with ceiling heights adjusted depending on use and required character.

openings in the building envelope and interconnected spaces produce luminous interiors
photo by satoshi asakawa

by placing courtyards throughout the building’s elevations, vegetation and indirect daylight are incorporated into the interior spaces, while noise admittance is reduced. a luminous environment is further promoted by directly interconnecting the rooms, or by the use of glass partitions.

an upper level courtyard contains multiple small trees
photo by satoshi asakawa

indoor spaces are visually open to outdoor gardens
photo by satoshi asakawa

photo by satoshi asakawa

square frames designate thresholds between interior spaces
photo by satoshi asakawa

mirrored surfaces around staircases produce dynamic views
photo by satoshi asakawa

photo by satoshi asakawa

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project info:

location: tokyo, japan
floor area: 291.57 sqm
consultant: takeshi suzuki
photography: satoshi asakawa