akasaka shinichiro atelier: small box house

interior view all images courtesy akasaka shinichiro atelier photographer: koji sakai

‘small box house’ by japanese studio akasaka shinichiro atelier is a two-storey residence in the western hillside of mount moiwa, sapporo. by the request of the clients, the dwelling is designed to be flexible in order to accommodate a cafe on the main floor as well as to host a variety of events in the future.

towards atrium void on upper level

resembling a simple cube from the outside, the interior organizes itself around an irregularly-shaped void cut from one corner of the volume. serving as both a light well and visual atrium, the dining room/public cafe space is hosted in this space. the more-than-double height zone lends a sense of open airiness.

looking down atrium

overlooking the dining space below is the second level which is loosely arranged into a domestic loft. interspersed with horizontal and vertical structural supports, the space is devoid of conventional walls and partitions. the expansive verticality is taken advantage of with the insertion of a tiny mezzanine level, which provides access to the roof via a system of step ladders.

dining space

(left) back door from dining area (right) entrance

entrance from the outside

exterior elevation

‘small box house’ by akasaka shinichiro atelier in sapporo, japan