yha architects: ynh

‘ynh’ by yha architects in tokyo, japan all images courtesy yha architects photographer: takeshi yamagishi

japanese atelier yha architects has sent us images of their new project, ‘ynh’, a three-storey dwelling in tokyo. influenced by the organization of a scottish tower house, the design utilizes the services of a multi-level void as a ‘light-tube’ to sufficiently illuminate the corner building.

operable windows

located on an intersection with roads to the north and west and neighboring houses to the south and east, the site initiated a ‘fort-like’ design. the facade is of an autonomous color and texture with square apertures punctured on a regular grid system. seemingly a solid mass, the building lends little to the outside viewer the qualities of the interior.

west elevation

interior lightwell / staircase

butted up against the east wall, a void which houses the staircase extends from the ground floor to the third, acting as both the main circulation as well as a source of natural daylight. the square window motif is repeated throughout the interior, creating layers of framed views that eventually reach the outside. this porous effect creates an open living atmosphere, simultaneously expanding the relatively small space.

dining room

kitchen

lightwell

view of the dining space from stairs

windows

towards the third level

third level space looking towards the terrace

third level

street view at night

schematic diagram

floor plan / level 0

floor plan / level +1

floor plan / level +2

cross section