House in Nukuikitamachi by Mizuishi Architect Atelier

All images courtesy of Mizuishi Architect Atelier

Japan based practice Mizuishi Architect Atelier (Kota Mizuishi) has completed 'House in Nukuikitamachi', a two-storey private dwelling for a family of four and their pets in Tokyo, Japan. Aiming to be a flexible living space that does not require constant maintenance, the design utilizes a series of 'futokoro' - recess void within something - to create a number of functional areas that extend the layout.

Situated deep within a block with neighbouring structures to the east and the west, the house was positioned to benefit from a north-south wind for optimum cross-ventilation. The short facades are conceived as an open interface, with a porous wooden lattice made out of vertical slats to the front, and floor-to-ceiling windows to the back. the partially-sheltered outdoor space created by this 'fence' serves as a terrace finished with earthen floor. 

The structural support of the form is mainly achieved by the long elevations, which utilizes its 600 mm thickness to accommodate multiple recessed spaces. Equipped with tracked curtains, these pockets serve as places for storage, a working table, water closet, and more. a central staircase encased in a white, multi-storey unit creates a lightwell through both storeys, establishing visual connection between family members of the house.