balcony house by ryo matsui architects values the outdoors

balcony house by ryo matsui architects values the outdoors
photo by daici ano
all images courtesy of ryo matsui architects

emerging within the dense urban fabric of tokyo, ryo matsui architects has completed ‘balcony house’ as a study in limited private space in a residential area of japan’s capital city. the four storey design features a series of terraces offering areas of external recreation. the reinforced concrete dwelling responds to the density of the city’s urban fabric, where two meter balconies serve as buffer zones between the building and the passing street. as well as providing residents with areas of greenery, the various verandas animate the structure’s façade, allowing the scheme to form part of a new cityscape within the japanese capital.

the roof terrace offers views across the neighborhood
photo by daici ano

internally, a two car garage is housed at ground floor alongside a small study. at the second storey a bedroom with an en-suite bathroom opens out onto a balcony, while a child’s playroom is also found at this level. ascending through the property, primary living accommodation is situated at the third floor, with a kitchen adjoining the living and dining facilities. the master bedroom is located at the fourth level, opening out onto an expansive veranda providing views across the neighborhood. this large balcony is connected to the roof terrace which serves as a place to entertain guests.

the two meter balconies serve as a buffer between the building and the street
photos by daici ano

areas of greenery provide a constant connection with nature
photo by daici ano

large openings blur boundaries between internal and external space
photo by daici ano

interiors are furnished in warm natural materials
photo by daici ano

large windows allow daylight to enter the design
photo by daici ano

the kitchen at third floor level
photo by daici ano

‘balcony house’ by night
photo by daici ano

project info:

architect: ryo matsui architects inc.
location: minato-ku, tokyo, japan
structure design: akira suzuki / ASA
principal use: private house
total floor area: 202.6 sqm
1st floor area: 113.41 sqm
2nd floor area: 106.67 sqm
3rd floor area: 113.41 sqm
4th floor area: 106.67 sqm
construction: reinforced concrete