wipe builds secluded ‘skyterrace’ house in a dense tokyo neighborhood

japanese architecture office wipe has built ‘skyterrace’, a secluded house located in a dense residential neighborhood of tokyo. the project secures enough privacy for its residents by inverting the traditional analogy between open exterior spaces and closed off interiors. as such, the outer shell of the two-story building is completely closed off from the surrounding environment, while inside, the large, lightweight interior spaces open up to the sky.

all images by toshiyuki yano

wipe has designed the ‘skyterrace’ house as an urban sanctuary that provides its residents with a private, relaxed space where they can disconnect from technology and the busy surroundings. set within a dense tokyo neighborhood characterized by narrow streets, the building comprises a closed off, white-hued outer shell that blocks any visual connection to the exterior. contrary, the interior features large, light-weight spaces that open up to a series of secluded private terraces. several skylights allow further natural light to enter the house and connect its residents to the sky above.

through the coexistence of the closed off exterior and the open interior, the architects have managed to create a serene environment that offers its inhabitants the chance to slow down and enjoy the present. although the relationship between the house and its busy surroundings is cut off, residents are still in contact to the natural environment through several open, yet private, terraces in different sizes. these terraces are connected to the interior through floor-to-ceiling doors and windows, while some also feature trees and other types of greenery.

project info:

name: skyterrace house

architect: wipe

location: suginami-ku, tokyo, japan

site area: 266.26 m²

building area: 138.66 m²

total floor area: 272.60 m²

principal use: apartment

structural design: komatsu structural design