Sukima Atelier / Makiko Tsukada Architects

Sukima Atelier / Makiko Tsukada Architects - Image 2 of 21Sukima Atelier / Makiko Tsukada Architects - Table, ChairSukima Atelier / Makiko Tsukada Architects - Facade, WindowsSukima Atelier / Makiko Tsukada Architects - Glass, Facade, Handrail, WindowsSukima Atelier / Makiko Tsukada Architects - More Images+ 16

Nerima, Japan

Text description provided by the architects. This combined home, gallery, and workspace is located in a quiet residential neighborhood in Tokyo. The clients, a married couple, came to us with several requests, including rooms where each of them could work undisturbed; a place for exhibiting artwork by the husband, an artist, and for enjoying music and conversation with guests; and a spatial design that took the thermal environment into account.

Sukima Atelier / Makiko Tsukada Architects - Image 19 of 21
Section

We responded with a design composed of five boxes, each containing a room with a strong, distinct character. By manipulating the spaces between the boxes and the relationship between the boxes and the exterior environment, we achieved both a diversity of unique rooms and a sense of openness that belies the small size of the lot.

Sukima Atelier / Makiko Tsukada Architects - Facade
© Shinkenchiku Sha

The building follows the shape of the site and occupies its northern side, leaving an open outdoor area on the south. The first floor contains three boxes whose functions require privacy, such as the study and bedroom. For structural reasons, the two boxes on the second floor are suspended so that they serve as “beams” linking the north and south walls.

Sukima Atelier / Makiko Tsukada Architects - Shelving
© Shinkenchiku Sha

Large windows on the north and south sides connect the boxes to the exterior. The window on the south side of the library box opens onto a distinctive view of the road curving dramatically just before it reaches the property, while the box containing the combined living-dining-kitchen area offers a view of a weeping cherry tree in the garden.

Sukima Atelier / Makiko Tsukada Architects - Stairs, Windows, Handrail
© Shinkenchiku Sha

By carefully designing the space between these five boxes, we were able to incorporate a sense of scale beyond what is usually possible in an interior residential environment. This area serves as a pathway between boxes, as an exhibition space, and as a lounge for relaxing with guests. Although it is inside the home, it contrasts with the interior of the boxes in that it has the scale of a city street, lending a somewhat public feeling to the space.

Sukima Atelier / Makiko Tsukada Architects - Facade, Windows
© Shinkenchiku Sha

At the same time, because this in-between area is surrounded by boxes painted black with calligraphy ink and illuminated by natural light from the entryway and skylights, it feels cozy and enclosed.

Sukima Atelier / Makiko Tsukada Architects - Image 18 of 21
Second Floor Plan (b)

To further improve the quality of the interior spaces and provide a comfortable thermal environment, we built eaves over the windows on each of the three south-facing boxes. The eaves, which are designed in response to the function of each box, serve not only to moderate the interior environment but also to strengthen the building’s relationship with its surroundings and stretch the sense of space beyond the site’s boundaries.

Sukima Atelier / Makiko Tsukada Architects - Table, Chair
© Shinkenchiku Sha

Our hope is that the diversity of spaces created by these five boxes and three eaves will both support the varied lifestyle of the clients and function as an interactive space open to the broader community.

Project gallery

See allShow less
About this office
Cite: "Sukima Atelier / Makiko Tsukada Architects" 24 Dec 2015. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/779084/sukima-atelier-makiko-tsukada-architects> ISSN 0719-8884

© Shinkenchiku Sha

东京Sukima Atelier 住宅 / Makiko Tsukada Architects

You've started following your first account!

Did you know?

You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.