tsushima design studio frames views inside of monolithic house in japan

tsushima design studio frames views inside of monolithic house in japan
(above) front view
all images courtesy of masao nishikawa

tsushima design studio is an architectural firm based in japan that takes the context into consideration when designing, striving to create memorable and enchanting places. for a house located on the top of a hill, over a lake in japan, the client asked the firm to create a space for a family, with areas where they could do different activities together.

a solid shadow in its context

the first consideration was the view, that thanks to the location, was panoramic and dramatic. the design began with the idea of framing the views, so they could be appreciated from the different areas of the dwelling. the living space was elevated on the second floor, with a large window that provides a non disturbing view, and fills the home with light. the bedrooms were located on the third floor, for more privacy. a cantilevered staircase connects the three levels and creates a void that becomes the meeting point for all circulations, providing a vertical openness.

cantilevered staircase

the kitchen can seamlessly be connected with the outdoor terrace

all three floors are connected with one staircase

open staircase design 

living room as central part of the house

the elevated living room has a clear view over the neighborhood 

central void that visually connects the living room with the bedrooms

view from 3rd floor frames the city with the sea as a backdrop

large apertures creating different atmospheres during the day 

section

project info:

architects: tsushima design studio
design team: toshio tsushima, takao taneno, takeaki nakamoto
location: japan
area: 340sqm
project year: 2015
photographs: courtesy of masao nishikawa