atelierco architects splits 'brass house' in tokyo in two symmetrical halves

atelierco architects has split the ‘brass house’ in tokyo in two symmetrical halves, topped with two distinct roofs hanging over a central ridge. designed for a client who was yearning for open spaces but also wanted a living environment with enough privacy from its neighbors, the house combines these two qualities within the two parts. as such, half of the house appears as an open space, while the other half comprises a stack of close volumes.images by jumpei suzuki and yasuhiro nakayama

atelierco architects’ ‘brass house’ is located in a dense residential neighborhood in somei komagome, tokyo, on a site known as the birthplace of somei-yoshino cherry tree. the residence is surrounded by other buildings on both sides, but, two open spaces in front of and behind the property allow for the creation of a vista among the crowded surroundings. in order to satisfy the owner’s wish for an open dwelling which simultaneously ensures enough privacy, the japanese architecture studio has divided the house in two symmetrical parts.

extending above the ground level of the house, which remains secluded on all sides, the ‘open’ half comprises floor-to-ceiling glass on the front and back elevations. furthermore, an open terrace on this part offers a space where residents can enjoy the outdoor environment, protected from the elements thanks to the roof above. the other half is composed of a series of stacked, closed spaces that secure privacy for the interior. ‘instead of calling one space as daily and the other as non-daily, these two spaces are always complementing each other,’ explains atelierco.

project info:

name: brass house

architect: atelierco architects / saeco kobayashi + taishin shiozaki

location:  tokyo, japan

furniture: half moon furniture workshop

textile: yuki tsutsumi

construction: aikawa-threef