suzuko yamada architects' waseda house is a tall, narrow family dwelling in tokyo

suzuko yamada architects has completed a tall, narrow house for a couple and their two children in old residential area of tokyo, a little further from lively student district of waseda. due to the irregular allocation of rooms and circulation within the narrow interior, the house’s centerpiece is a large spiral staircase that doubles as an extension of different areas. the design of the staircase takes its cues from lina bo bardi’s one at the museum of modern art of bahia in brazil, but this time it is made in steel instead of solid wood.

all images by yurika kono

considering the required program, suzuko yamada architects naturally decided to extend the living spaces of the waseda house in the vertical direction. a large spiral staircase takes center stage within the residence, and takes on the double role of circulation and extra floor space when needed. its design references the solid wood staircase at lina bo bardi’s museum of modern art of bahia in brazil, which comprises wide steps that two or three people can sit on. as such, the stairs within the building connect each floor while offering spots for residents to sit and relax freely in the middle of the house.

the large staircase is made of steel, which comes in contrast with the clean aesthetics of the living spaces, while wood steps tie the entire space together. the owners, who still wanted to enjoy the outside and feel relaxed within the narrow plot of the neighborhood, can also use the staircase as a covered terrace, since four skylights and a large opening towards the adjacent passageway makes this space as bright as the exterior surroundings. at times, the stairs are also used as extensions of each room, acting as chairs or desks. ‘just as the waseda alleys connect the gardens of each house, it is hoped that all rooms will be connected by these stairs someday, so that it is a good and comfortable home,’ notes suzuko yamada architects.