naoya kawabe architect & associates: house in minami magome

‘house in minami magome’ by naoya kawabe architect & associates in tokyo, japan all images courtesy naoya kawabe architect & associates photographer: akinobu kawabe

tokyo-based practice naoya kawabe architect & associates has sent us images of ‘house in minami magome’, a multi-level dwelling on a compact site next to a residential intersection in tokyo, japan. arranged around a central staircase, the internal spaces are placed in an offset manner, resulting in half levels that take full advantage of the small site.

street view

contained within a monolithic volume with a dramatically pitched roof line, the house concentrates the larger windows to the top storeys which is where the communal spaces are located. the negative space of the ‘attic’ level remains open, creating a sense of expansive space for the dining, living and kitchen area. an outdoor terrace that overlooks the street below is generated by a cut from the overall form.

dining

starting partially below-grade, the house builds up at half-level intervals around the spinal circulation as an extension of a landing. the result is a spatial organization that ‘flows’ naturally in between storeys, facilitating acoustic and visual connections between house members. contrasting use of materials – white surfaces and hardwood finishes – help define the different programs and zones.

(left) living (right) entrance

atrium

bedroom

basement

night view

floor plan / level -1

floor plan / level 0

floor plan / level +0.5

floor plan / level +1

cross section

cross section

longitudinal section

(left) west elevation (right) south elevation