‘MJD’ by mejiro studio in bunkyo-ku, tokyo, japan al images courtesy mejiro studio image © shimizu ken

japanese practice mejiro studio has shared with us images of ‘MJD’, a multi-storey private residence for a two-generation family in the heart of tokyo, japan. conceived as a pair of houses stacked on top of one another, the design creates dramatically differing atmospheres of living for each storey.

mejiro studio: MJD image © shimizu ken

situated on a slightly inclined site on an intersection, the house is read as a collection of boxes arranged to intersect together at various points. a garden on the south side of the plot stretches in and around the built house, filling in the gaps created by the smaller volumes. outdoor terraces of varying sizes are created on top of the outlying four boxes, providing views to all directions of the neighbourhood. 

mejiro studio: MJD image © shimizu ken

mejiro studio: MJD image © shimizu ken

the upper level, which was conceived for the younger generation, is defined by its open nature and layout. the spatial language of the boxes continue to the interior and manifest as bedrooms that have been inserted into the generously-high space. two small loft levels are generated on top of the forms, adding an additional dimension to the open living room. the layout features a series of partial-height dividers which mark out the ground floor boxes while simultaneously defining programmatic areas within the flexible space. 

mejiro studio: MJD image © shimizu ken

mejiro studio: MJD image © shimizu ken

mejiro studio: MJD image © shimizu ken

mejiro studio: MJD image © shimizu ken

mejiro studio: MJD image © shimizu ken

mejiro studio: MJD image © shimizu ken

the living space for the older generation of the family is accommodated on the ground floor, which is characterized by a series of integrated outdoor gardens. predominantly finished in a light-coloured wood, the general atmosphere of the downstairs apartment contrasts itself from the white-washed upper floor. the layout of the lower level is also different in its spread-out nature, hosting individual programs in clearly defined volumes. the central living room benefits from natural daylight through two flanking gardens, while a sliding wall partition allows the area to be closed off for additional privacy. 

mejiro studio: MJD images © shimizu ken

mejiro studio: MJD image © shimizu ken

mejiro studio: MJD image © shimizu ken

mejiro studio: MJD image © shimizu ken

mejiro studio: MJD image © shimizu ken

mejiro studio: MJD image © shimizu ken

mejiro studio: MJD image © shimizu ken

mejiro studio: MJD images © shimizu ken

mejiro studio: MJD image © shimizu ken

mejiro studio: MJD floor plan / level 0

mejiro studio: MJD floor plan / level +0.5

mejiro studio: MJDfloor plan / level +1

project info:

architects: mejiro studio and kozo kadowaki structural engineer: konishi structural engineers contractor: hanami kensetsu

site area: 177.44 m2 total floor area: 165.10 m2 building system: conventional timber frame structure, concrete foundation