House in Higashiyukigaya｜Takayoshi Nakamura Architects & Associates

This project concerns a tiny house facing the Nomigawa River in Ota-ku—an extremely small residence with a site of approximately 9 tsubo, reduced in size by a planned river corridor. The surrounding area is a quiet residential neighborhood, while the rows of cherry trees along the river provide a pleasant expression of the seasons.

The client felt a strong attachment to this place, where their parents had once lived. Fully aware of the limitations of the site, they hoped for a house in which they could instead enjoy its compactness, and decided to make their home here.

The building comprises four levels, including a basement, with a total floor area of 21 tsubo and just over 5 tsubo per floor. Although the plan appears simple at first glance, its sectional configuration is complex. The stringent slant-line restrictions resulting from the small site are addressed by dividing the building into skip-floor levels according to function. The floors are connected by stairs, creating the overall composition. Changes in level and a spiral staircase bring rich visual variation to the space, while on the top floor, the distinctive roof form creates the impression of leading toward the sky. The stripped-down mass and its austere presence are intended to evoke a quiet and dignified atmosphere reminiscent of a church.

Building Overview

Structure: Reinforced concrete
Total floor area: 69.56 m² (21.04 tsubo)
Site area: 32.23 m² (9.75 tsubo)

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