In this installment of the unique homes in Japan series, we feature a Tokyo home that is distinctive in both its final appearance and in the unconventional process by which it was designed.

Viewed straight on, from the front, this residence may resemble a giant lantern more than a home, but this simple facade belies a detail-oriented and intellectual design concept.

As the architects (Gwenael Nicolas and Tomoyuki Ustumi) explain, the originality of this project started with the design process. Unlike many homes, the “C1 House,” was designed as an independent product.

As such, the basic architectural design, a glass box surrounded by a walkway-gallery that connects the floor was designed even before the land was found.

The home is meant to be experienced by the residents as a seamless space where the architecture, furniture, and entire environment can be appreciated as a “unique emotional experience”.

Unlike the usual architectural project, every aspect of the house was designed in parallel, from the shape of the building, down to the position of the light switches and the design of the water taps.

Seamless Walkway

Floorplan of the C1 House

You may also be interested in: Slide House in Tokyo