mizuishi architect atelier: house in horinouchi

japanese practice mizuishi architect atelier (kota mizuishi) has sent us images of ‘house in horinouchi’, a two-storey private dwelling for a family of three in suginami, tokyo, japan. situated on a triangular site between a river and a road, the design is a direct response to the characters and qualities offered by the plot while remaining within the local permits and regulations of the area.

flyby views
images © hiroshi tanigawa (also main image)

sculpted by the acute angle cut out by the constructible site, the house features an irregular plan shape that slips into the narrow corner of the plot. the tapered end of the second level juts over the base in a cantilever, highlighting the peaked roof form in a graphic manner. clad in metallic brown panels, the volume stands as a solid structure with rectangular windows extruding out of its elevation.

south elevation
image © hiroshi tanigawa

accommodating a private room at the ground level, the communal programs are placed on the second floor and are flanked on both sides by stretches of windows. the kitchen on the west end of the layout benefits from a double height ceiling and establishes sight lines to a small loft level above. accessed by a ladder, the elevated area serves as a multifunctional space with natural illumination from a large skylight. though small in size, the dwelling provides a living space that visually extends the sense of space through both horizontal and vertical openness.

east elevation
image © hiroshi tanigawa

terrace
image © hiroshi tanigawa

interior view of living space
image © hiroshi tanigawa

from kitchen
image © hiroshi tanigawa

loft level
image © hiroshi tanigawa

(left) view of spare room from loft
(right) overlooking the kitchen and dining space
images © hiroshi tanigawa

staircase
image © hiroshi tanigawa

bedroom
image © hiroshi tanigawa

view of main entrance from bedroom
image © hiroshi tanigawa

night view
image © hiroshi tanigawa

project info:

site area: 52.14 m2
building area: 29.07 m2
total floor area: 55.24 m2
structure: wood
storeys: 2
structural engineer: kentaro nagasaka
lighting designer: tatsuoki nakajima
contractor: hirano-kensetu