naoya kawabe architect & associates: lumie

'lumie' by naoya kawabe architect & associates
all images courtesy naoya kawabe architect & associates
photographer: kenichi suzuki


'lumie' by toyko-based practice naoya kawabe architect & associates is a two-storey residence
converted from a fifty year old wooden row house in japan. limited on three sides by adjacent
structures on the plot, the slim rectangular design steps back from the boundary line to create
slivers of light and to facilitate natural cross-ventilation for the interior.



open carport


completely wrapped in vertically-running wood panelling, the silhouette of the house employs
a simple and iconic pitched roof form. a large opening with a sliding garage door accommodates
a dirt floor car port off the street. the more private kitchen, dining and bathroom are tucked behind
with a set of open staircases leading up to the living and bedroom. to maintain a spacious sense
of space, the second level is simply divided by the middle by the centrally-placed staircase and
the wall that hugs it. a small roof terrace provides an outdoor space for the inhabitants away from
the busy-ness of the street. 



(left) from the garage
(right) stairs


though not offering unconstricted views given the site's restriction, windows are strategically
placed to maximize daylight intake. a large sliding floor-to-ceiling glazing faces out to
a neighbouring structure, resulting in an unconventional and intimate dialogue with
the urban context of the location.



stairs leading up to roof terrace



space between neighbouring structure



from the living room



windows



bathroom



floor plan / level 0



floor plan / level +1



roof plan



longitudinal section



cross sections


project info:

area: 41.10 m2
building area: 36.40 m2
total floor area: 69. 60 m2
storeys: 2
structure: wood