No space, no problem
When you live in one of the most populous cities in the world where real estate is scarce and not to mention expensive, you would want to make the most out of your living spaces.
Japanese residential architecture abounds with out-of-the-box features and innovations. From space-saving configurations, designs that suggest a more airy feel, and components that incorporate nature, we can always count on Japanese-themed homes for inspiration. It is no wonder many homeowners in other parts of the world consider this culture’s aesthetics when it comes to designing their living spaces.
From the nifty to the lofty, we take a peek at a few Japanese-inspired homes that delight, impress and inspire—and from which we may even pick up a thing or two for our space and storage dilemmas.
House Tokyo by Unemori Architects
With a building area of just 26 sqm, Unemori Architects did not waste a square meter of space in building House Tokyo. The Japanese architecture studio stacked several boxes wrapped in corrugated steel to maximize the small plot of land where the house stands in Tokyo.
Staying true to the Japanese style of inviting as much natural light inside the home, large windows were strategically placed in different sides of the house. The bedroom, bathroom and storage area can be found on the ground floor while the open plan kitchen and dining areas are on the second level.
House in Kyoto by 07BEACH
Located in a quiet residential area in the northern part of Kyoto is the aptly named, “House in Kyoto” by 07BEACH. Built for a couple and their three children, the house has a building area of 79.5 sqm.
Architect Joe Chikamori was asked to design a home with an open floor plan as the couple wanted to be able to keep an eye on their little ones. To make up for the lack of garden space, an indoor tree was placed right at the center of the house on the ground floor. The double height living area also consists of the kitchen and dining area, with the toilet and bath, storage room and master bedroom built around it. Upstairs are the children’s bedrooms and a tatami room. Skylights provide abundant natural light.
House in Nishimikuni by Arbol Design
Right in the center of Osaka is House Nishimikuni by Arbol Design. Made for a retired couple who wanted to overhaul their house, the architecture studio kept the number of rooms to a minimum to come up with a more spacious home.
As the one-story house is surrounded by apartments and has a park nearby, special attention had to be given on how to provide the residents with much needed privacy. A slatted wooden wall was built around the house to conceal it. Trees and an S-lined garden across the property provide a beautiful contrast against all the cedarwood.
Home L
While not located in the Land of the Rising Sun, this 70 sqm apartment in Hong Kong gives off that Zen-inspired living. Designed by MNB Design Studio, Home L’s interiors are a mix of light wood, white and light concrete finish with lots of natural light.
The living area features an expansive and multifunctional wooden texture wall with two sliding doors for the kitchen and storage areas. A house-shaped wooden frame above the dining area serves as a demarcation from the lounging space. The master bedroom has a platform bed with lots of storage underneath. Instead of built-in cabinets that would take up so much space, the guest bedroom features a modular system of wooden frames where clothes can be hung and stored.
Sources: Dwell.com, Dezeen.com, Wallpaper.com, MNB Design Studio, Zero7beach, Arbol Design, Unemori Architects,
