mejiro studio: MJD

'MJD' by mejiro studio in bunkyo-ku, tokyo, japan
al images courtesy mejiro studio
image © shimizu ken


japanese practice mejiro studio has shared with us images of 'MJD', a multi-storey
private residence for a two-generation family in the heart of tokyo, japan. conceived as
a pair of houses stacked on top of one another, the design creates dramatically differing
atmospheres of living for each storey.



image © shimizu ken


situated on a slightly inclined site on an intersection, the house is read as a collection of
boxes arranged to intersect together at various points. a garden on the south side of the plot
stretches in and around the built house, filling in the gaps created by the smaller volumes.
outdoor terraces of varying sizes are created on top of the outlying four boxes,
providing views to all directions of the neighbourhood. 



image © shimizu ken



image © shimizu ken


the upper level, which was conceived for the younger generation, is defined by its open nature
and layout. the spatial language of the boxes continue to the interior and manifest as bedrooms
that have been inserted into the generously-high space. two small loft levels are generated
on top of the forms, adding an additional dimension to the open living room. the layout features
a series of partial-height dividers which mark out the ground floor boxes while simultaneously
defining programmatic areas within the flexible space. 



image © shimizu ken



image © shimizu ken



image © shimizu ken



image © shimizu ken



image © shimizu ken



image © shimizu ken


the living space for the older generation of the family is accommodated on the ground floor,
which is characterized by a series of integrated outdoor gardens. predominantly finished in
a light-coloured wood, the general atmosphere of the downstairs apartment contrasts itself from
the white-washed upper floor. the layout of the lower level is also different in its spread-out nature,
hosting individual programs in clearly defined volumes. the central living room benefits from
natural daylight through two flanking gardens, while a sliding wall partition allows the area
to be closed off for additional privacy. 



images © shimizu ken



image © shimizu ken



image © shimizu ken



image © shimizu ken



image © shimizu ken



image © shimizu ken



image © shimizu ken



images © shimizu ken



image © shimizu ken



floor plan / level 0



floor plan / level +0.5



floor plan / level +1


project info:

architects: mejiro studio and kozo kadowaki
structural engineer: konishi structural engineers
contractor: hanami kensetsu

site area: 177.44 m2
total floor area: 165.10 m2
building system: conventional timber frame structure, concrete foundation