yaita and associates arranges house around three level patio in tokyo

yaita and associates arranges house around three level patio in tokyo
photo by shinkenchiku-sha
all images courtesy of yaita and associates

seeking to create an open and luminous residence that is simultaneously closed off to the surrounding context, japanese architecture office yaita and associates have arranged ‘patio’ around a a three-level terraced courtyard. to provide the desired privacy, a concrete wall wraps the property’s edge at the ground level, while steel structure is placed above and clad in corrugated sheet metal. at the upper floor, a building volume containing the unified living, dining, and kitchen area is elevated above the outer concrete wall, to allow for ventilation into the internal courtyard. increased breeze is provided by operable hinged panels integrated with the façade.

each of the residence’s levels features glass walls facing the inner courtyard
(left): photo by shigeo ogawa
(right): photo by shinkenchiku-sha

each of the residence’s three floors opens toward the ‘patio,’ including a japanese-style tea room at grade and bedrooms and bathrooms on a sunken level. trees are arranged throughout the outdoor area, with wood decks allowing for occupation at multiple heights.

the arrangement provides a private outdoor space, blocked from the site’s context
photo by shigeo ogawa

the ‘patio’ space is analogous to the ‘roji-a,’ a designed alley within a traditional japanese garden. consequently, the ground level space, which is intended for hosting tea ceremonies, is the ‘roji.’ trees and other plants help to produce a garden atmosphere.

the upper level features steel structure with corrugated metal used for exterior cladding
photo by shigeo ogawa

the living space is closed to the street side, while opening fully to the courtyard
photo by shinkenchiku-sha

operable panels in the façade swing open to allow for ventilation
(left): photo by shinkenchiku-sha
(right): photo by shigeo ogawa

a horizontal open space between the upper volume and lower building allows for ventilation to the inner courtyard
photo by shinkenchiku-sha

(left): photo by shinkenchiku-sha
(right): photo by shigeo ogawa

a concrete volume at ground level contains a japanese-style tea room
photo by shigeo ogawa

the spatial composition produces a visually connected and open residence
photo by shigeo ogawa

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project info:

location: tokyo, japan
completion date: november 2011
site area: 172.19 sqm
footprint area: 79.41 sqm
total floor area: 226.86 sqm
architecture: yaita and associates
architects-in-charge: hisaaki yaita , naoko yaita
structural engineer: katsuharu sugiura
mechanical engineer: shimazu design office ltd.
general contractor: nichinan iron constraction