upsetters architects: house in eifukucho

‘house in eifukucho’ by upsetters architects in tokyo, japan all images courtesy upsetters architects image © yusuke wakabayashi

japanese practice upsetters architects (shuzo okabe) has sent us images of ‘house in eifukucho’, a multi-level private dwelling for a family of three in tokyo, japan. situated on an elevated site, the design takes advantage of its position by further lifting the core living space to maximize on views while generating a private but transparent entrance hall underneath.

exterior view from driveway image © yusuke wakabayashi

characterized by a narrow driveway measuring over 15 meters, the unconventional flagpole-shaped plot became the catalyst for the design. the alley-like approach allowed the residence to have a comfortable level of privacy which enabled the entrance to be visually open to the exterior. from the driveway, a wide set of stairs leads up to a glass box which sits adjacent to an outdoor garden. the boundary between the interior and exterior dissolves while giving the impression of a floating volume. the hovering effect is further delineated through materials – a wood construction atop a reinforced concrete base – in conjunction to providing structural support as a retaining wall.

view towards entrance from sheltered garage image © yusuke wakabayashi

garden image © yusuke wakabayashi

entrance image © yusuke wakabayashi

interior view of entrance hall image © yusuke wakabayashi

view of garage from within image © yusuke wakabayashi

lifted three meters from the ground, the the core living space is arranged in a staggered fashion: the kid’s room, which sits above the garage, gains separation from the kitchen and living space by a slight change in elevation. a skylight over the staircase as well as a glazed corner to the east illuminate the interior with natural daylight while a penthouse on the rooftop offers sweeping views of the city below.

second level image © yusuke wakabayashi