OUVI + A-asterisk: y house

‘y house’ by OUVI and A-asterisk in tokyo, japan all images courtesy OUVI image © shinjiro yamada

tokyo-based architects OUVI has worked together with shanghai-based practice A-asterisk to complete ‘y-house’, a private residence and hair salon in tokyo, japan. considering the client’s current and future lifestyle, the renovation project enables the house to evolve with the domestic trajectory of the couple as well as maximize the small space for a fully-functioning beauty salon.

interior view of house from salon entrance image © shinjiro yamada

before the redesign, the house divided the internal programs in a linear fashion with areas being defined by a regular wall partition and door. the space lacked any circulation space nor a sense of openness. to remedy this, the renovation inserted angled walls that cut the layout into new proportions, lending more flexibility to both the residence and hair salon. the slanted lines strategically limits views between the two areas while limiting the need for a door. careful selection of materials and surface finishes – exposed concrete on the salon side and hardwood flooring for the dwelling – further defines the different functions of the space.

views of elevated living platform images © shinjiro yamada

the redesign also took into consideration the clients’ future retirement and aimed to maintain a flexible house to meet their needs. sliding wall partitions ensure no major reconstruction in the future when they wish to no longer operate the salon.

dining and living with a view of the salon to the right image © shinjiro yamada

residential washroom with sliding walls image © shinjiro yamada

cutting area image © shinjiro yamada

sliding wall partitions images © shinjiro yamada

image © shinjiro yamada

view of salon from outside image © shinjiro yamada

floor plan / before renovation

floor plan / after renovation

project info:

principal use: house and hair salon site area: 39.74 m2 constructed area: 30.23 m2 construction: jun koumuten