kikumi kusumoto designs steel box TB house in nagoya-shi, japan

‘TB house’ by kikumi kusumoto of ks architects is located in the west of nagoya-shi, in japan’s aichi prefecture.

the building is composed of three separate households, separated into a grid of square spaces spread over three-floor volumes. housing ten people, kusumoto needed to find ways to instill privacy in a home where family members were less than a stone throw away. by splitting the area into small frames, spaces — including private and public areas — are clearly distinguished. the exterior is characterized by multiple pilotis, courts, terraces, and service yards. all help emphasize the transparency of the blocked edifice, and help inhabitants take in nature. some window panels are able to be opened to ensure interior ventilation.

 

from the north

 

the structure’s profile accentuates its gridded organization

 

at night

 

spaces are distributed amongst a series of frames

 

middle space