kazuya saito architects: house shimouma

‘house shimouma’ by kazuya saito architects in tokyo, japan all images courtesy of kazuya saito architects photographer: sadao hotta

japanese office kazuya saito architects has just completed their first project in setagaya-ku, tokyo, japan. ‘house shimouma’ is a three-storey residential building on a narrow 4m x 11m lot. construction took only three months to meet the project’s tight budget and schedule.

a number of different, competing urban elements on site called for a careful negotiation of space during the design process. instead of building flush against the neighboring building to make up for the tight lot, the design left enough room in between for natural light to enter through the eastern facade. the narrower faces to the north and the south are cut in strategic but subtle angles to maximize on space. a matte, dark brown finish on the exterior walls softens the look of the corners.

in order to make up for the long and narrow interior space, circulation is encouraged to move vertically throughout the building: the second level accommodates the kitchen, living, and dining area while private programs such as washrooms and bedrooms take up the first and third levels.

street view

night view

living area, second level

looking into the bedroom

bedroom, third level

west elevation

site plan

section

floor plans

project info:

program: private residence structural design: konishi structural engineers construction: nozaki builder site area: 49.41 m2 building area: 36.85 m2 total floor area: 109.67 m2