House with a Nook｜Custom Home Examples by Architectural Offices2Picks Author: Qurasuki Editorial Department

Within homes exist small havens for quiet solo time, alongside large gathering spots like family living rooms. Nooks incorporate such cozy spaces into residences. Enclosed loosely by walls or furniture, these spots lead to various pastimes like reading, resting, or gazing out windows. Rather than simply partitioning large rooms, creating small havens in corners of spaces generates multi-scale spatial environments within residences. Some nooks leverage locations beneath stairs or beside windows. The presence of peaceful spots within limited footprints enriches daily scenery. From real examples of custom homes by architectural firms, we introduce how nooks take form as living places within residences.

Sakura Tree Naoko Matsumoto Architects & Associates

This is a plan to reconstruct a cherished piece of land into two residences. The lot was split into two, and houses with rental portions were placed on each parcel. The composition allows the parent household and the child household to maintain an appropriate distance while still feeling a connection through their shared site. Within the constraints of a limited lot we carefully created a sense of openness and arranged living environments so that each household can enjoy a comfortable life.

House in Narashino Mochizuki Architectural Atelier

The site is a southeast corner lot within a residential subdivision, enjoying excellent solar exposure; privacy from the intersecting streets at the corner has been carefully considered. A south‑facing triangular plan is capped by a mono‑pitch roof with deep eaves. On the ground floor the living‑dining‑kitchen (LDK), bedroom, wet‑areas and a family cloakroom and storage are arranged to optimize domestic circulation; the second floor accommodates children’s rooms and a study. A slightly sunken living room overlooks the garden through low‑level windows and includes a secluded retreat at the rear, with carpeted flooring. The exterior is finished in Shirasu plaster, and the building’s thermal insulation and airtightness have been addressed with attention to environmental impact and energy performance.