mizuishi architect atelier: house in nukuikitamachi

'house in nukuikitamachi' by mizuishi architects atelier in koganei, tokyo, japan
all images courtesy mizuishi architects atelier


japanese practice mizuishi architect atelier (kota mizuishi) has shared with us images of
'house in nukuikitamachi', a two-storey private dwelling for a family of four and their pets
in tokyo, japan. aiming to be a flexible living space that does not require constant maintenance,
the design utilizes a series of 'futokoro' - recess void within something - to create a number
of functional areas that extend the layout.



exterior view


situated deep within a block with neighbouring structures to the east and the west,
the house was positioned to benefit from a north-south wind for optimum cross-ventilation.
the short facades are conceived as an open interface, with a porous wooden lattice made
out of vertical slats to the front, and floor-to-ceiling windows to the back. the partially-sheltered
outdoor space created by this 'fence' serves as a terrace finished with earthen floor.



approach


the structural support of the form is mainly achieved by the long elevations, which utilizes
its 600 mm thickness to accommodate multiple recessed spaces. equipped with tracked curtains,
these pockets serve as places for storage, a working table, water closet, and more.
a central staircase encased in a white, multi-storey unit creates a lightwell through both storeys,
establishing visual connection between family members of the house.



terrace space



looking into living space



view of terrace space from second level



from kitchen



staircase






lightwell



view of kitchen on lower level



(left) atrium lightwell
(right) view of bedroom



bedroom on second level



view of study space from bedroom



washroom



night view



site map



floor plan / level 0



floor plan / level +1



section


project info:

site area: 157.27 m2
building area: 67.52 m2
total floor area: 108.11 m2
structure: wood
storey: 2

structural engineer: kentaro nagasaka
lighting designer: yasuo tsunoda
contractor: kraft home