kobayashi 401 constructs compact dwelling in outskirts of tokyo

kobayashi 401 constructs compact dwelling in outskirts of tokyo
all images courtesy of kobayashi 401 design room

‘minamisensoku house’ situated in the outskirts of tokyo is designed by the architects at kobayashi 401. the narrow plot is only three meters in width with a total site area of 39.18 sqm, posing a complicated architectural strategy in creating a comfortable living space for the client without it feeling overwhelmingly claustrophobic. working with the limited available area, the dwelling, like a bookend, stands as a grey volume with a weatherboard-style paneled exterior and long horizontal windows arranged at different heights. the house internally, has been split into different levels with overlapping views and a seamless transition onto each space. this approach inherently makes the house feel bigger meanwhile, the skylights and the horizontal windows maximizes the light entering. by maximizing the area to its fullest potential, the interior uses every square meter, transforming it into a functional and comfortable living quarter. 

side façade with the windows arranged at different heights and lengths

inside, the space has two floors and a basement level divided into split levels

the simple and white interior makes the space feel larger

plenty of daylight reaches the interior through the side and skylights

the kitchen area

the upstairs leading onto the bedroom

the bathroom and bedroom at the top

project info:

location: ota-ku, tokyo minamisenzoku
construction events: new construction
typology: residential
site area: 39.18 sqm
total floor area: 72.41 sqm
number of floors: 2 floors 1 underground levels
structure: steel + rc structure
completion year: 2014