norisada maeda atelier: torus residence and pet shop

‘torus residence and pet shop’ by atelier norisada maeda, japanimage © studio dio

the ‘torus’ residence and pet shop by tokyo-based atelier norisada maeda creates a clear separation in architectural expression between the glass-facade store on the ground floor and the rather solid floating home above. the hand-made reflective white plaster on the exterior envelope of the private volume possesses a unique characteristic of its own, rendered as a dark mass in front of white skies or a bright white cube under blue skies. the interior is designed as an extension of the exterior. an internal atrium under a large skylight contains the kitchen and several bridges above connecting the various private bedrooms. metal mesh catwalks and glass floor sections funnel natural daylight through the house into the commercial space. the interior is clad in light colored vertical wooden planks that further reflect light inside contrasting with darker floor tiles.

(left) street view of the house(right) inside the side yardimage © studio dio

entrance through a mirco-perforated metal screenimage © studio dio

kitchen atriumimage © studio dio

translucent floor sections and walkways allow light to reach the ground floorimage © studio dio

semi-covered kitchen spaceimage © studio dio

image © studio dio

metal frame system maintains allows for slender structural members and larger spacesimage © studio dio

third floor walkwayimage © studio dio

small lounge areaimage © studio dio

view to the rooftop skylightimage © studio dio

image © studio dio

image © studio dio

image © studio dio

view from the pet shop area through the glass floorimage © studio dio

facade texture detailimage © studio dio

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