
first image
'house in horinouchi' by mizuishi architect atelier in suginami, tokyo, japan
all images courtesy mizuishi architect atelier
image © hiroshi tanigawa
japanese practice mizuishi architect atelier (kota mizuishi) has sent us images of 'house in horinouchi',
a two-storey private dwelling for a family of three in suginami, tokyo, japan. situated on a triangular
site between a river and a road, the design is a direct response to the characters and qualities offered by
the plot while remaining within the local permits and regulations of the area.

flyby views
images © hiroshi tanigawa
sculpted by the acute angle cut out by the constructible site, the house features an irregular
plan shape that slips into the narrow corner of the plot. the tapered end of the second level
juts over the base in a cantilever, highlighting the peaked roof form in a graphic manner.
clad in metallic brown panels, the volume stands as a solid structure with rectangular windows
extruding out of its elevation.

south elevation
image © hiroshi tanigawa

east elevation
image © hiroshi tanigawa
accommodating a private room at the ground level, the communal programs are placed on
the second floor and are flanked on both sides by stretches of windows. the kitchen on
the west end of the layout benefits from a double height ceiling and establishes sight lines
to a small loft level above. accessed by a ladder, the elevated area serves as a multifunctional
space with natural illumination from a large skylight. though small in size, the dwelling
provides a living space that visually extends the sense of space through both horizontal and
vertical openness.

terrace
image © hiroshi tanigawa

interior view of living space
image © hiroshi tanigawa

from kitchen
image © hiroshi tanigawa

loft level
image © hiroshi tanigawa

(left) view of spare room from loft
(right) overlooking the kitchen and dining space
images © hiroshi tanigawa

staircase
image © hiroshi tanigawa

bedroom
image © hiroshi tanigawa

view of main entrance from bedroom
image © hiroshi tanigawa

night view
image © hiroshi tanigawa

site map

floor plan / level 0

floor plan / level +1

floor plan / loft level

section a-a

section b-b
project info:
site area: 52.14 m2
building area: 29.07 m2
total floor area: 55.24 m2
structure: wood
storeys: 2
structural engineer: kentaro nagasaka
lighting designer: tatsuoki nakajima
contractor: hirano-kensetu
good one
amazing utilization of space
One of the best “tiny houses” I’ve seen. Looks huge inside!
Wow, this is an amazing one!
Nice use of space. I would need a comfy chair someplace in the house.
That’s what I usually call “Inside is larger than outside”
Wonderfull sollution and realization!
amazing! but regarding parking: it must get annoying to climb out the passenger side of the car everyday? I bet their car gets dinged up a lot so close to the road as well? yes, needs more cushions.
Too bad there’s no picture of the bathroom…
« it must get annoying to climb out the passenger side of the car everyday »
except in countries with left-hand traffic
It looks HUGE inside! A real life Harry Potter tent.
Such a successful small house. Extremely well thought out and executed.
A wee cracker. Such a functional use of space. Congrats to all concerned d;-)
@ j scones
its japan, steering wheel is on the right.
@architects
nicely done
can this place be visited?
But there is no way you would put a child’s play area in that loft, accessable by only a ladder? and with the large gaps in the railing?
beautiful.