ogikubo house by MDS

‘ogikubo house’ by MDS, suginami-ku, tokyo, japanimage © toshiyuki yanoall images courtesy of MDS

completed by japanese firm MDS, the ‘ogikubo house’ continues the practice’s study in expanding the design palette for the limited and therefore expensive land resource of the densely developed city of tokyo. in the quiet residential area of suginami-ku, the dwelling divides into three volumes that are interconnected with a glass-enclosed stairwell. the tri-part plan breaks from a pattern of monolithic and hermetic structures that excludes exterior spaces by imparting a feeling of openness at its core. the concept of ‘ma’, or ‘gap,’ is an important element in japanese space creation was a driving factor in the area appropriated for the vertical circulation.

apertures within the walls of rooms allow activity to spill between the staggered floors. on the first floor, framed views between the living room, dining area and bedroom link the interactions of inhabitants. periphery garden spaces and the street are maintained the urban landscape within the internal atmosphere. the changing of seasons may be experienced while passing between rooms.

garage entry from alleyimage © toshiyuki yano

(left) front elevation(right) foyerimages © toshiyuki yano

(left) stairs to living room (right) view to garage from basementimages © toshiyuki yano

view from the living roomimage © toshiyuki yano

living roomimage © toshiyuki yano

living roomimage © toshiyuki yano

bedroomimage © toshiyuki yano

dining areaimage © toshiyuki yano

enclosure around the stairwayimage © toshiyuki yano

dining area at duskimage © toshiyuki yano

stairs at nightimage © toshiyuki yano

exterior of glass stairwellimage © toshiyuki yano

front doorimage © toshiyuki yano

exterior at nightimage © toshiyuki yano

floor plan / level 0

floor plan / level 1

floor plan / level 2

floor plan / level -1

section

section

project info:

architecture: kiyotoshi mori & natsuko kawamura / mds photography: toshiyuki yanolocation: suginami-ku, tokyodate of completion: 2009principal use: residence structure: woodsite area: 118.00m2total floor area: 117.18m2 (57.80 m2/1f, 55.23 m2/2f, 23.72 m2/b1f)exterior finish: plastered wallroof: FRPfloor: oak flooringwall: plastered wall