SKAL + OUVI: house of setagaya

‘house in setagaya’ by SKAL + OUVI, tokyo, japan all images © syuya amemiya

on a compact site in tokyo, SKAL and OUVI collaborated on the ‘house of setagaya’, named after the suburb in which it resides. being in a dense suburban context, the architects implemented environmental design strategies for improved efficiency. the form tapers away from the plot line to separate the structure from the neighboring houses, bringing light into the ground level. the roof encloses the upper level with low-hanging eaves that block the intense summer sun, while large perforations frame balconies to create open-air terraces. windows located on both sides can be opened to allow ample cross ventilation and transforms some of the volumes into a natural ‘wind tunnel’. all bedrooms are organized linearly on the upper storey based on their frequency of use, eliminating the need for a common hallway. connecting all the rooms from above, the loft can be reached by a small ladder and provides supplemental entertainment areas.

the entire residence is a wooden construction, from the structural columns and beams to the floor finishes and surface veneers. negative spaces are converted for extra storage. the exterior perimeter of the plot is lined in saplings that will one day help to visually isolate the house from the exterior and inject a bit of greenery within the surrounding concrete context.

(left) restroom (right) entry hallway

main living space

main living space

upstairs hallway

upper hallway

loft entry

connection details

exterior balcony

(left) view from upstairs (right) view from downstairs

site plan

floor plan / level 0

floor plan / level 1

floor plan / loft

section perspective