naoi architecture & design office: coupled house

‘coupled house’ by naoi architecture & design office, tokyo, japanimage © hiroshi uedaall images courtesy of naoi architecture & design office

the ‘coupled house’ by japanese firm naoi architecture & design office is a contemporary extension of the traditional dwellings, located in a quiet residential area outside of tokyo. the home exercises an extensive use of the ‘ma’ – or empty space – that is used in dense urban settingsto combat the feel of claustrophobia. the small home is therefore designed with careful attention to the relationship of the gaps, connecting different levels and programmatic elements that open the interior while allowing a free flow of light and circulation through the rooms.the timber frame structure is left exposed, adding to the variety of wooden textures present throughout, highlighted by the stark white wallsand ceiling elements. the central atrium section contains the bulk of the circulation functions and services the program that develops on eitherside. exterior balconies are also integrated within the rooms to ensure that the owners have a balanced experience with interior and exterior living.

(left) entry(right) central corridor and vertical circulationimage © hiroshi ueda

(left) stairs(right) dining areaimage © hiroshi ueda

large doors connect or separate spacesimage © hiroshi ueda

tatami roomimage © hiroshi ueda

ample use of the ‘ma’ allows plenty of illuminationimage © hiroshi ueda

kitchen and diningimage © hiroshi ueda

image © hiroshi ueda

image © hiroshi ueda

connections to the exterior programimage © hiroshi ueda

decks and balconies offer exterior areas image © hiroshi ueda

image © hiroshi ueda

image © hiroshi ueda

image © hiroshi ueda

floor plan / level 0

floor plan / level 1

ventilation and day-lighting diagram