

japanese practice mizuishi architect atelier (kota mizuishi) has sent us images of ‘house in horinouchi’, a two-storey private dwelling for a family of three in suginami, tokyo, japan. situated on a triangular site between a river and a road, the design is a direct response to the characters and qualities offered by the plot while remaining within the local permits and regulations of the area.



flyby views

images © hiroshi tanigawa (also main image)

sculpted by the acute angle cut out by the constructible site, the house features an irregular plan shape that slips into the narrow corner of the plot. the tapered end of the second level juts over the base in a cantilever, highlighting the peaked roof form in a graphic manner. clad in metallic brown panels, the volume stands as a solid structure with rectangular windows extruding out of its elevation.



south elevation

image © hiroshi tanigawa

accommodating a private room at the ground level, the communal programs are placed on the second floor and are flanked on both sides by stretches of windows. the kitchen on the west end of the layout benefits from a double height ceiling and establishes sight lines to a small loft level above. accessed by a ladder, the elevated area serves as a multifunctional space with natural illumination from a large skylight. though small in size, the dwelling provides a living space that visually extends the sense of space through both horizontal and vertical openness.



east elevation

image © hiroshi tanigawa



terrace

image © hiroshi tanigawa



interior view of living space

image © hiroshi tanigawa



from kitchen

image © hiroshi tanigawa



loft level

image © hiroshi tanigawa



(left) view of spare room from loft

(right) overlooking the kitchen and dining space

images © hiroshi tanigawa



staircase

image © hiroshi tanigawa



bedroom

image © hiroshi tanigawa



view of main entrance from bedroom

image © hiroshi tanigawa



night view

image © hiroshi tanigawa

project info:

site area: 52.14 m2

building area: 29.07 m2

total floor area: 55.24 m2

structure: wood

storeys: 2

structural engineer: kentaro nagasaka

lighting designer: tatsuoki nakajima

contractor: hirano-kensetu