Takumi Wakui + Riho Wakui Architects’ House in Kagurazaka
Situated on a 33 sqm plot in Kagurazaka, Tokyo, this innovative four-story wooden residence reinterprets the traditional Japanese machiya as a vertical dwelling. Designed by Takumi Wakui + Riho Wakui Architects for an architect couple, the design explores the integration of daylight, natural ventilation, and spatial openness within a densely built urban neighborhood.
Historical Context
Research into the site’s history reveals its Edo-period urban origins, characterized by narrow-fronted townhouses adjacent to samurai estates. The architects responded to the compact footprint by organizing the home vertically, enhancing the spatial experience through height rather than expanding the base. Each level serves a specific function, transitioning from public to private spaces, creating distinct areas without conventional partitioning. A series of voids connect the floors, promoting visual and spatial continuity.
Facade | All images © Takumi Wakui + Riho Wakui Architects
Design Features
Large openings above the living room and in the top-floor bathroom maximize natural light and provide views of greenery. Projecting side walls extend from the building’s envelope, controlling sunlight and capturing breezes.
The structural system employs a robust truss along the outer walls and a double-wall spine at the center, offering stability and flexibility for future expansions. Connections between the interiors and exteriors are created via thoughtful openings and voids, allowing for adaptable living spaces that respond to changes in light, air, and seasons.
Living Area
Project Information
- Name: House in Kagurazaka
- Architects: Takumi Wakui + Riho Wakui Architects
- Location: Kagurazaka, Tokyo, Japan
- Site Area: 37.89 sqm
- Building Area: 21.65 sqm
- Total Floor Area: 60.44 sqm
This project illustrates a modern approach to compact living, blending traditional architectural references with contemporary needs for light, air, and spatial efficiency.
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