KAZUHIKO NAMBA+KAI WORKSHOP: boxhouse 140

‘boxhouse 140’ by KAZUHIKO NAMBA+KAI WORKSHOP in kunitachi city, japan all images courtesy KAZUHIKO NAMBA+KAI WORKSHOP image © hiroshi ueda

tokyo-based architecture practice KAZUHIKO NAMBA+KAI WORKSHOP has shared with us images of ‘boxhouse 140’, a single-family residence in kunitachi city, japan. conceived as one open room with a porous layout, the small compact house is an exercise in simple and pragmatic design.

front elevation image © hiroshi ueda

situated on a rectangular site flanked by two neighbouring structures, the house sits deep on the plot to generate a yard and elevated garden off the street. the front elevation features a deep wrap-around overhang that provides shade and a blinder-effect to the living space within. while the design gains a large level of sunlight through its south facing windows, overheating is prevented during the summer time.

approach image © hiroshi ueda

constructed using laminated timber frame structure, the layout remains open and connected to the main communal space. the mezzanine level overlooks the living and kitchen area below while the japanese-style tatami room can be completely revealed through sliding partitions. a solar chimney facilitates natural ventilation while also providing an additional source of natural light for the loft level.

interior view image © hiroshi ueda

from main living space image © hiroshi ueda

view of kitchen and tatami room image © hiroshi ueda

loft level image © hiroshi ueda

site map

floor plan / level 0

floor plan / level +1

section

axonometric

structural axonometric