‘SGC’ by mejiro studio in setagaya-ku, tokyo all images courtesy mejiro studio image © koichi torimura

japan-based architecture practice mejiro studio has sent us images of ‘SGC’, a three-storey private dwelling in downtown tokyo. working with the slim plot in between two adjacent buildings, the design adopts a layout that clearly defines two areas that taper in towards the centre to accommodate a parking space for a single car.

mejiro studio: SGCwithin context image © koichi torimura

featuring a simple street facade to the front, the house reads as a tall grey volume with a smaller white box inserted mid-height. the latter form frees up the ground floor for the parking space and accommodates a guest room and outdoor terrace. unassuming in its appearance, the main entrance is tucked in under the floating volume, creating a sheltered and private doorway.

mejiro studio: SGCexterior views image © koichi torimura

taking advantage of the thin middle that generates two different areas on each floor, the interior lacks wall partitions and remains open. a spatial hierarchy is set for private programs, which rests at the top level in descending order. built in storage units eliminate the need for additional furniture objects, keeping the circulation and living space uncluttered and open. natural daylight intake is secured through the gap that the design left between the house and the neighbouring structure. 

mejiro studio: SGCinterior view of entrance image © koichi torimura

mejiro studio: SGC entry image © koichi torimura

mejiro studio: SGC second storey living space leading to the kitchen image © koichi torimura

mejiro studio: SGC guest bedroom image © koichi torimura

mejiro studio: SGC third level image © koichi torimura

mejiro studio: SGC view of bedroom and closet; additional storage space tucked into ceiling images © koichi torimura

mejiro studio: SGC to washroom image © koichi torimura

mejiro studio: SGC views of washroom images © koichi torimura

mejiro studio: SGC view of bedroom from washroom image © koichi torimura

mejiro studio: SGC street views images © koichi torimura

mejiro studio: SGC night view image © koichi torimura

mejiro studio: SGC floor plan / level 0

mejiro studio: SGC floor plan / level +1

mejiro studio: SGCfloor plan / level +2

project info:

site area: 47.75 m2 total floor area: 68.82 m2 building system: conventional timber frame structure on concrete foundation structural engineer: hirotsugu tsuboi structural engineers contractor: ogawa kensetsu