kazuya saito architects: house shimouma
‘house shimouma’ by kazuya saito architects in tokyo, japan all images courtesy of kazuya saito architects photographer: sadao hotta
japanese office kazuya saito architects has just completed their first project in setagaya-ku, tokyo, japan. ‘house shimouma’ is a three-storey residential building on a narrow 4m x 11m lot. construction took only three months to meet the project’s tight budget and schedule.
a number of different, competing urban elements on site called for a careful negotiation of space during the design process. instead of building flush against the neighboring building to make up for the tight lot, the design left enough room in between for natural light to enter through the eastern facade. the narrower faces to the north and the south are cut in strategic but subtle angles to maximize on space. a matte, dark brown finish on the exterior walls softens the look of the corners.
in order to make up for the long and narrow interior space, circulation is encouraged to move vertically throughout the building: the second level accommodates the kitchen, living, and dining area while private programs such as washrooms and bedrooms take up the first and third levels.
street view
night view
living area, second level
looking into the bedroom
bedroom, third level
west elevation
site plan
section
floor plans
project info:
program: private residence structural design: konishi structural engineers construction: nozaki builder site area: 49.41 m2 building area: 36.85 m2 total floor area: 109.67 m2
architecture news
the black body mountain shelter frames alpine views in dormillouse, italy
#architecture
designed to provide a safe refuge for hikers, the small timber construction is built on the mountain top at 2908 meters above sea level.
designed to provide a safe refuge for hikers, the small timber construction is built on the mountain top at 2908 meters above sea level.
tracks architectes punctures facade with rhythmic arches for cinema in france
#architecture
in an aesthetic dialogue, a second lighter volume complements the dark facade and imposes itself as an urban landmark.
in an aesthetic dialogue, a second lighter volume complements the dark facade and imposes itself as an urban landmark.
yoshihiro kato atelier folds roof to create façade of japanese hair salon
#architecture
the diagonal lines of the extended roof plane are designed to shield the interior space from direct sunlight.
the diagonal lines of the extended roof plane are designed to shield the interior space from direct sunlight.
carlo mollino's historic 'rascard garelli' photographed by marcello mariana
#architecture
the images illustrate the composition of the house, where the original wooden structure sits on top of its more recently built foundation.
the images illustrate the composition of the house, where the original wooden structure sits on top of its more recently built foundation.
nice!!
This is typical japanese style…. 😛
yeah right, i agree with that it’s quite typical japanese one, too. very space-efficient. rather subtle than flashy. i think that kind of style is quite common among japanese dwelling houses built by architectures.
Delightful, compact residence. I was wondering though, can they not get onto the roof space as well. There appears to be a railing in a couple of the photos and the houses next to it do have. Whoops I see in the line drawings indeed a “Terrace” d;-)
come on people… this example of contemporary japanese architecture is just boring! and neither well presented nor photographed.