niji architects defies small spaces with townhouse in tokyo

out of an extremely small piece of land of thirty-three square meters in tokyo, niji architects have managed to build a three story gable shaped townhouse dissected into two identical units.

the modules are divided into east and west by an S-shaped wall that distributes the space evenly among the two apartments. the more generous areas are used for living, while the smaller ones serve as toilets and laundry. the diagonally placed partition and high ceilings give the impression of spaciousness, masking the small floor area.

to ensure sunlight enters the townhouse, each unit has a large skylight and a wall-length window. a play of light and shadow can be appreciated throughout the day as sunshine hits the walls and floors. the windows on each apartment are reversed east-west from each other, allowing the direct and indirect light to create very different ambient spaces even though the floorplans are the same.

 

the white exterior gives the townhouse lightness and its horizontal lines amplitude

 

a spiral staircase saves space and leads to the second floor

 

the kitchenette is located on the second floor

 

light and shadow change the space as the day progresses into the night

 

the skylight and the wall-length window illuminate the house