‘3 way house’ by naf architect & design in adach ward, tokyo, japan all images courtesy naf architect & design

japanese practice naf architect & design (tetsuya nakazono, akio nakasa) has sent us images of ‘3 way house’, a two storey private dwelling for a family of four in a residential neighbourhood of tokyo, japan. situated in a district where both new and old buildings must stand at a minimum height of 7 meters above ground, the design explores multiple modes of vertical circulation and features a climbing wall that scales a central courtyard.

naf architect & design: 3 way house view of climbing wall from garage

cubic in form, the free-standing wooden structure is simple and unassuming in its exterior expression, exhibiting textured facades with rectangular windows interspersedly marking their surface. a large opening from the street level provides a sheltered car park which connects into the multi-storey courtyard at the core of the plan. treating the generous rooftop as an additional room, a two-meter high parapet circumscribes the terrace for both safety as well as to meet the local height regulation of 7 meters.

naf architect & design: 3 way house (left) climbing wall (right) ladder next to courtyard

slotted into the heart of the dwelling, a slim courtyard with a rock-climbing wall doubles as a lightwell, admitting sunlight from the roof level to the lower portions of the house. appropriate programs such as the kitchen, living and dining area are arranged around the glass-encased volume to secure views of the climbing wall. another mode of vertical transportation is offered by a series of ladders which provides a space-saving solution to regular staircases. the living spaces remain flexible and versatile in function.

naf architect & design: 3 way house interior view

naf architect & design: 3 way house (left) towards roof level (right) second level

naf architect & design: 3 way houseseries of ladders

naf architect & design: 3 way house view of roof terrace

naf architect & design: 3 way house roof level

naf architect & design: 3 way house floor plan / level 0 (1) porch (2) entrance (3) living room (4) guest room (5) exterior void (6) dining / kitchen (7) toilet (8) bedroom (9) room (10) corridor (11) washroom (12) bathroom (13) hobby room (14) sunroom (15) rooftop (16) interior void

naf architect & design: 3 way house section (1) porch (2) entrance (3) living room (4) guest room (5) exterior void (6) dining / kitchen (7) toilet (8) bedroom (9) room (10) corridor (11) washroom (12) bathroom (13) hobby room (14) sunroom (15) rooftop (16) interior void

project info:

site area: 63.47 m2 building area: 44.41 m2 total floor area: 90.71 m2 maximum height: 7.699 m maximum eave height: 6.655 m structure: wood construction