all images courtesy takeshi hirobe architects
image © koichi torimura

japanese practice takeshi hirobe architects has sent us images of 'm-house', a three-storey house
in a busy neighbourhood of tokyo, japan. abiding by the strict building regulation of the site,
the design aims to connect the interior with the exterior while maintaining privacy for the inhabitants.

interior view
image © koichi torimura

 during the early stages of the designing process, an octagonal staircase was inserted into
the floor plan as a major structural pillar to the house. constructed with reinforced concrete,
the spiral stairwell is topped with a roof light which allows is to double-function as a lightwell.
the interior surfaces are also finished in white to maximize the natural daylighting effect,
bringing it all the way down to the basement. round holes of various sizes are randomly
perforated on the sides of the shell to establish internal visual connections to each floor.

living room
image © koichi torimura

to further introduce the outdoors to the living space, multiple volumetric voids are carved out
as outdoor terraces from the corners of the layout. the exterior shell of the house wraps around
these spaces, acting as a fence-like barrier from the street. all storeys of the house remains
open and flexible, generating living spaces that are flexible yet private when needed.

views of stairwell
images © koichi torimura

translucent steps
image © koichi torimura

image © koichi torimura

octagonal shell encasing the stairwell
image © koichi torimura

built-in seating
image © koichi torimura

(left) entry
(right) stairwell at night
images © koichi torimura

interior night view
image © koichi torimura

floor plan / level -1

floor plan / level 0

floor plan / level +1

floor plan / level +2

section

project info:
site area: 112.40 m2
built area: 63.53 m2
total floor area: 251.78 m2
structure: reinforced concrete
structural consultant: s.form