LEVEL architects: house in oyamadai 1

‘house in oyamadai 1’ by level architects, tokyo, japan images courtesy of level architects

japanese studio, level architects has designed ‘house in oyamadai 1’, a single family residence located in tokyo, japan. simple and pragmatic in design, the two-storey dwelling establishes a direct dialogue between the interior and exterior, creating spaces that seem to extend beyond their walls.

structured around a central courtyard, the plan features a series of evolving spaces that each open on to the exterior void. windows, appropriately scaled and placed to suit the programmatic function of each room, directly connect and entwine the inner and outer environments. 

inner courtyard

contrasted only by materials such as wood, slate and the rice straw of tatami mats, the mostly white space reflects the filtered daylight which enters the interior through the predominant void. lacquered surfaces in the kitchen and main corridors further mirror the mature vegetation that surrounds the residence.

terrace

upper hallways wrap around the inner courtyard

the kitchen, living and dining room, defined by two primary offset volumes feature step down levels that provide visual connection to other programs in the home. a raised plane in the living and dining room adjusts the intimacy and atmosphere of the space and composes a unique solution to the customary japanese dining style.

lacquered surfaces in the kitchen reflect vegetation that surrounds the perimeter of the home

kitchen

eating bar

in addition to daylight intake, the large openings throughout the home and the second floor terrace facilitate natural cross ventilation, further harmonizing the residence’s relationship with its outdoor setting.

each room provides connections to the exterior environment

(left) exterior facade (right) entrance

section