narrow cantilevered volume defines international royal architecture
's spiral house in tokyo

a narrow cantilevered volume defines the ‘spiral’ house by japanese firm international royal architecture, or I.R.A., in tokyo, japan. situated on a 48 sqm corner lot, the residence is designed for a client who requested a very secluded space, which, at the same time, makes maximum use of the limited site. the white-hued, closed-off volume is placed on top of the ground level structure and cantilevers 4.8 meters over the site.all images by nobuaki nakagawa

I.R.A. / international royal architecture
 has designed the ‘spiral’ house for two couples, who requested an ultra-closed off space on the narrow corner site of tokyo’s higashimurayama city. the detached residence caters to the secluded request of the client, while making maximum use of the limited space. its structure reaches three levels in height, securing 73. 48 sqm of living space.

the house is developed according to three main ideas, which include: visually give as much space as possible on the ground level; depth on the second floor; and height on the third floor. the architects have used a steel frame structure, which occupies the least amount of space possible, and chose white hues and minimal materials to create a lightweight construction. besides the main entrance, openings can be found mainly on the upper levels of the house to secure privacy for the residents. international royal architecture has arranged spiral stairs and voids in each floor, which subtly connect the different levels to each other and to the exterior environment.

project info:

name: spiral

architects: I.R.A. / international royal architecture


location: higashimurayama, tokyo, japan

site area: 48.49 m²

construction area: 29.07 m²

total floor area: 73.48 m²