ondesign partners builds compact urban cabin with concrete and wood in tokyo

yokohama-based studio ondesign partners has built a compact concrete house, located between a bustling station and a quiet residential area in musashino, a city on the western part of tokyo, japan. titled urban cabin, the small-size residence extends in three levels of 33 square meters each, with bedrooms occupying the first and second levels, while common areas such as the living room and kitchen are placed on the top floor.

all images by koichi torimura

ondesign partners has created a house of intimate scale on a 40 sqm lot, built for the dense residential fabric of japan, which, despite its small size, enables a comfortable way of living for its inhabitants. extending vertically on three levels, the compact residence is closed off on the ground level, where natural light enters only through a skylight on the main bedroom, while more openings occur on the higher levels. inside, the house combines concrete, wood, and white hues, that create the sense of larger rooms and a serene atmosphere.

project info:

name: urban cabin

architect: ondesign partners

location: musashino, tokyo, japan

team: osamu nishida, shiori mori, yasutaka onishi

site area: 40.73 sqm

construction area: 33.54 sqm

total floor area: 93.49 sqm

contractor: shimura builders