tai_tai studio designs house for astronomical observation in japan

tai_tai studio designs house for astronomical observation in japan
all images courtesy of tai_tai studio

located in the city of chiba, japan, architecture office tai_tai studio has designed and realized a house characterized by its ability to observe astronomy. the dwelling accommodates the client family’s desire to host gatherings and view the stars through a large telescope contained in a dome along the building’s roof line. the residence’s structure is comprised partially in wood framing, and otherwise in heavy concrete. the latter is utilized to ensure minimized vibration for the telescope, which requires total stability for functional viewing.

the house’s exterior features exposed concrete walls and corrugated metal sheeting

the house features a exposed concrete walls and corrugated metal sheeting on its exterior, while interiors are finished with wood flooring and finishes. adjacent to the dwelling is a ‘warehouse for wind turbine generation’, which was also designed by tai_tai studio and features a similar formal and material qualities. see designboom’s article on this project here.

a wood deck extends from the western elevation

the site is located next to agricultural fields

the house’s telescope dome emerges from a two-storey concrete volume

the interior finishes include exposed concrete and wood flooring / finishes

living room

(left) storage room
(right) the house is sited adjacent to a ‘warehouse for wind turbine generation’, also designed by tai_tai studio

project info:


location: mobara city, chiba, japan
architecture: tai_tai studio / hidekazu wakabayashi, akiko wakabayashi
year: 2010

function: house
site area: 490.5 sqm
building area: 135.35 sqm

total floor area: 171.㎡ sqm
structure: reinforced concrete + wood

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.