‘house in sanno’ by studio noa located in tokyo, japan images courtesy of studio noa

japanese architectural practice studio noa designed the ‘house in sanno’, a single family dwelling located in tokyo, japan. visitors enter a recessed windowless entryway and are immediately welcomed by a six meter high staircase. perpendicular to a wall of windows, light filters through the open risers and illuminate the living spaces which branch from the successive landings.

studio noa: house in sanno stairway and bookcase

a double story bookcase located parallel to the stairs will visually introduce the dweller’s love for reading. to maintain privacy for the dwelling within the open plan, bedrooms are below grade while the public kitchen and living spaces are integrated into the vertical circulation path. a low ceiling at the homes first level is experientially raised by puncturing the chamfered roof with windows providing views of the sky from the shower and bathtub.

studio noa: house in sanno view of kitchen from stairs

studio noa: house in sanno view of stairs from kitchen

studio noa: house in sanno entrance to bathroom

studio noa: house in sanno chamfered roof over bathtub

studio noa: house in sanno (left) stairs (right) exterior at night

studio noa: house in sanno floor plan / level 0

studio noa: house in sanno floor plan / level 1

studio noa: house in sanno roof plan

studio noa: house in sanno floor plan / level -1

studio noa: house in sanno section

studio noa: house in sanno section

studio noa: house in sanno section

studio noa: house in sanno section

studio noa: house in sanno elevation

studio noa: house in sanno elevation

studio noa: house in sanno elevation

studio noa: house in sanno elevation