naf architect & design: 3 way house

‘3 way house’ by naf architect & design in adach ward, tokyo, japan all images courtesy naf architect & design

japanese practice naf architect & design (tetsuya nakazono, akio nakasa) has sent us images of ‘3 way house’, a two storey private dwelling for a family of four in a residential neighbourhood of tokyo, japan. situated in a district where both new and old buildings must stand at a minimum height of 7 meters above ground, the design explores multiple modes of vertical circulation and features a climbing wall that scales a central courtyard.

view of climbing wall from garage

cubic in form, the free-standing wooden structure is simple and unassuming in its exterior expression, exhibiting textured facades with rectangular windows interspersedly marking their surface. a large opening from the street level provides a sheltered car park which connects into the multi-storey courtyard at the core of the plan. treating the generous rooftop as an additional room, a two-meter high parapet circumscribes the terrace for both safety as well as to meet the local height regulation of 7 meters.

(left) climbing wall (right) ladder next to courtyard

slotted into the heart of the dwelling, a slim courtyard with a rock-climbing wall doubles as a lightwell, admitting sunlight from the roof level to the lower portions of the house. appropriate programs such as the kitchen, living and dining area are arranged around the glass-encased volume to secure views of the climbing wall. another mode of vertical transportation is offered by a series of ladders which provides a space-saving solution to regular staircases. the living spaces remain flexible and versatile in function.

interior view

(left) towards roof level (right) second level

series of ladders

view of roof terrace

roof level

floor plan / level 0 (1) porch (2) entrance (3) living room (4) guest room (5) exterior void (6) dining / kitchen (7) toilet (8) bedroom (9) room (10) corridor (11) washroom (12) bathroom (13) hobby room (14) sunroom (15) rooftop (16) interior void

section (1) porch (2) entrance (3) living room (4) guest room (5) exterior void (6) dining / kitchen (7) toilet (8) bedroom (9) room (10) corridor (11) washroom (12) bathroom (13) hobby room (14) sunroom (15) rooftop (16) interior void

project info:

site area: 63.47 m2 building area: 44.41 m2 total floor area: 90.71 m2 maximum height: 7.699 m maximum eave height: 6.655 m structure: wood construction