studio noa: house in sanno

‘house in sanno’ by studio noa located in tokyo, japan images courtesy of studio noa

japanese architectural practice studio noa designed the ‘house in sanno’, a single family dwelling located in tokyo, japan. visitors enter a recessed windowless entryway and are immediately welcomed by a six meter high staircase. perpendicular to a wall of windows, light filters through the open risers and illuminate the living spaces which branch from the successive landings.

stairway and bookcase

a double story bookcase located parallel to the stairs will visually introduce the dweller’s love for reading. to maintain privacy for the dwelling within the open plan, bedrooms are below grade while the public kitchen and living spaces are integrated into the vertical circulation path. a low ceiling at the homes first level is experientially raised by puncturing the chamfered roof with windows providing views of the sky from the shower and bathtub.

view of kitchen from stairs

view of stairs from kitchen

entrance to bathroom

chamfered roof over bathtub

(left) stairs (right) exterior at night

floor plan / level 0

floor plan / level 1

roof plan

floor plan / level -1

section

section

section

section

elevation

elevation

elevation

elevation