‘small house’ by aoydesign located in tokyo, japan images courtesy of aoydesign

japanese practice aoydesign has created ‘small house’, a fifty square meter single family residence located in tokyo, japan. sited at the junction of three streets, this compact triangulated lot in a densely developed residential area required an introspective design to maintain functionality and privacy. four parallel slanted volumes strategically allow natural daylight to enter interior spaces while inhibiting direct views from neighbors while minimal penetrations to the facade reduce urban sounds which may disturb dwellers.

aoydesign: small house elevation consists of four slanted volumes

from the loft’s living and kitchen area, the structure’s exterior shell creates a partially screened view directing the inhabitant’s attention towards a mature tree. the bathroom is placed at the south end of the home to serve as a buffer minimizing heat transfer to the adjacent spaces. the focal stairway, walls and vaulted ceilings are predominantly surfaced with oriented strand board (OSB) for a uniform texture which visually elongates the interior volume.

aoydesign: small house from garage

aoydesign: small house stairs

aoydesign: small house stairs leading to the loft

aoydesign: small house walls surfaced with OSB

aoydesign: small house loft space unified with OSB surface treatments

aoydesign: small house partially revealed view of tree

aoydesign: small house shower room

aoydesign: small house at night

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions’ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication.