compact house in tokyo by takuro yamamoto includes a large outdoor terrace

compact house in tokyo by takuro yamamoto includes a large outdoor terrace
all images courtesy of takuro yamamoto architects

this dwelling designed by japanese architect takuro yamamoto offers residents a large outdoor patio, despite its small footprint. located in a densely populated suburb of tokyo, the appropriately titled ‘little house with a big terrace’ was developed in close collaboration with its clients — a married couple seeking a better standard of urban living. in order to guarantee privacy, no windows face the passing street. instead, views are provided from the upper levels of the home towards the adjacent sundeck. ‘through the process of designing this house, we tried to prove that having a rich private external space was important for making a crucial difference in the quality of life inside the house, as well as obtaining various possibilities of external activity’, explains the architect.

the scheme is located in a densely populated suburb of tokyo

the property contains three primary storeys. at ground level the terrace forms the roof of a sheltered garage, with a second bedroom and bathroom also included. stairs lead upwards to the home’s living and cooking spaces, which are oriented towards the open-air patio. it is here where the clients are able to spend time outdoors, practicing yoga and tending to their plants. floor-to-ceiling glazing provides a constant source of natural light. ‘considering that the client’s original request was having a big terrace for doing yoga freely under the sun, connecting the terrace to the living room and the bedroom with big windows was the best way to offer fresh air and daylight to the internal spaces — like having respiratory organ to let the house breathe,’ continues takuro yamamoto.

at ground level the terrace forms the roof of a sheltered garage

the couple’s sleeping quarters are joined by a small study at the uppermost level, which also benefits from large retractable windows. to maximize daylight and views, the terrace has been made as wide as possible — a gesture that has resulted in reduced floor plates. consequently, the architect devised an area of storage, inserted between the first and second floors. ‘the most effective way to achieve real spaciousness in high density residential areas is to incorporate unlimited external spaces into the design, rather than trying to make internal spaces larger,’ adds the japanese architect.

see more work by takuro yamamoto on designboom here.

living space is oriented towards the open-air patio

the outdoor space allows the clients to spend time outdoors

floor-to-ceiling glazing provides a constant source of natural light

stairs leading to the home’s uppermost level

living space at the intermediate storey

the couple’s sleeping quarters are joined by a small study

access to a storage area is concealed within the staircase

views are provided from the upper levels of the home towards the adjacent sundeck

see more work by architect takuro yamamoto on designboom here

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project info:

location: edogawa-ward, tokyo, japan
use: residence
site area: 70.13 sqm
building area: 41.91 sqm
total floor area: 74.63 sqm
completion: april, 2015
design period: february 2013 – august 2014
construction period: september 2014 – april 2015
structure: wood
architect: takuro yamamoto
structure design: yamada noriaki structural design office
construction: yamasho-kensetsu