Introducing Two-Generation Courtyard House on a Narrow Irregular Lot, a custom-built home example by Archiplace, a Architect / Design office in 502 Palm House Hatsudai, 1-20-2 Honmachi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
The courtyard and deck terrace are strategically placed to capitalize on the continuous open view of the neighboring garden to the southwest.
The ground floor features a pilotis space without side walls, maximizing the full width of the frontage by leveraging the strengths of the wooden metal-connector construction method.
The staircase is constructed of steel, allowing natural light from the upper floors to penetrate through the landing area.
The second floor comprises a unified living and dining-kitchen area, separated by the staircase, creating a spacious one-room plan.
The bay window doubles as an eave, equipped with a motorized awning that can be adjusted according to weather conditions.
A professionally designed soundproof room with acoustically treated floors, walls, and ceilings provides an ideal environment for enjoying piano and saxophone performances.
A wooden plank ceiling enhances spatial continuity and imparts a sense of expansiveness.
A study corner with built-in bookshelves and desk is integrated into the corridor space.
Appliance and dish storage are arranged on the kitchen’s side walls, while a large window behind the kitchen brings ample natural light.
Access to the loft is via box-shaped stairs with integrated storage large enough to accommodate futons.
The living room width was carefully considered to accommodate a brought-in AV counter and storage units.
Natural light filters from the large second-floor windows down to the entrance on the first floor.
From the dining area, the window of the music room is visible, emphasizing the depth created by the elongated site.
The deck terrace features an olive tree carefully nurtured at the previous residence, adding a touch of greenery.
Two-Generation Courtyard House on a Narrow Irregular Lot
Soundproof Room
Two-Family House
Spiral Staircase
Inner Garage
Courtyard
InnerGarage
Courtyard
SoundproofRoom
TwoGenerationResidence
Seiichi Osawa
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The site is located in a densely built residential area in the city center, characterized by a narrow, irregularly shaped lot fronting a north-side road and enclosed by buildings on three sides. Capitalizing on the sole unobstructed southwest-facing view—an adjacent garden—the design incorporates an external courtyard and deck terrace to enhance the living environment while shielding the interiors from surrounding sightlines. This three-story wooden structure employs the SE (Structure Engineering) method, optimizing structural strength and spatial openness.
Despite the dense urban context, the house provides a living environment where natural light and ventilation permeate, tailored for a dual-income couple with a passion for music, and their aunt who lives with them along with their beloved cat. The residence is a fully separated two-generation home, ensuring privacy and comfort for all occupants. Location: Toshima-ku, Tokyo
Household composition: Couple + child / aunt + pet cat
Completion: January 2018
Structural system and scale: Timber, 3-storey (SE construction method)
Site area: 94.65 m² (28.63 tsubo)
Building footprint (building area): 56.77 m² (17.16 tsubo)
Total floor area (gross floor area): 128.08 m² (38.74 tsubo)
Design and supervision: Archiplace (Architectural Office Archiplace)
Structural engineering: NCN (N.C.N.)
Contractor: Shoyo
Notes: Hydronic (hot-water) underfloor heating (TES); cavity-fill insulation with ventilated construction method
Despite the dense urban context, the house provides a living environment where natural light and ventilation permeate, tailored for a dual-income couple with a passion for music, and their aunt who lives with them along with their beloved cat. The residence is a fully separated two-generation home, ensuring privacy and comfort for all occupants. Location: Toshima-ku, Tokyo
Household composition: Couple + child / aunt + pet cat
Completion: January 2018
Structural system and scale: Timber, 3-storey (SE construction method)
Site area: 94.65 m² (28.63 tsubo)
Building footprint (building area): 56.77 m² (17.16 tsubo)
Total floor area (gross floor area): 128.08 m² (38.74 tsubo)
Design and supervision: Archiplace (Architectural Office Archiplace)
Structural engineering: NCN (N.C.N.)
Contractor: Shoyo
Notes: Hydronic (hot-water) underfloor heating (TES); cavity-fill insulation with ventilated construction method
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