IGArchitects blur spatial boundaries for flexible urban living in tokyo

The House by IGArchitects in Tokyo: A Flexible Urban Living

Situated in the heart of Tokyo, this permeable concrete house designed by IGArchitects offers an innovative take on urban living. Unlike traditional homes with clear boundaries and distinct rooms, this architectural creation is essentially one large, open area, where the lines between private and work life are intentionally blurred. The concept behind this house is to facilitate a dynamic and interconnected lifestyle for the married couple who reside in it. The couple desired a space that would allow them to seamlessly transition between their personal and professional lives while maintaining a constant awareness of each other’s presence within the house. To fulfill this vision, the architects designed a home with a spacious feel and an abundance of open areas, a departure from the typical compact living spaces often found in the city. Thus, the House of Frame was born, a structure that is both sturdy and flexible, allowing its residents to live freely.

the entire structure unfolds as a single open room, all images by Ooki Jingu

boosting a unique and flexible living experience

IGArchitects (see more here) have deliberately slanted the north side wall, connecting to an adjacent vacant lot and facilitating various creative architectural solutions. The heights and depths of each floor were adjusted throughout the building, resulting in three misaligned walls and seven floor slabs with varying heights and depths. These architectural nuances create openings that let in natural light and gentle breezes while maintaining the occupants’ privacy. The south side of the house lacks openings to block out harsh sunlight, while the north-facing wall welcomes natural light throughout the day, allowing the occupants to experience the changing seasons, weather, and time within their home. As one moves deeper into the house, the spaces are reserved for service functions like the kitchen and bathroom, set back from the openings. In contrast, areas closer to the front road feature larger openings that connect the inside to the outside. Despite the limited space in the middle of a bustling city, the house was designed to provide a sense of openness akin to having a garden or balcony when fully opened.

uneven floors varying in height and depth create visual continuity throughout the house

The individual floors in the house are not used in isolation; instead, their full potential is realized through their interaction with one another. Each floor serves multiple purposes, from seating and tables to shelves and ceilings. Virtually every part of the house is multifunctional, encouraging a dynamic and adaptable lifestyle. The absence of dedicated-use spaces fosters a sense of interconnectedness between the misaligned floors, offering residents a unique and flexible living experience. Upon entering the house, visitors are greeted with a gradual shift in space, transitioning from one area to the next seamlessly. The combination of human-scale stairs and furniture within a sturdy and expansive reinforced concrete structure makes the building functional and creates a comfortable living experience. The house’s straightforward structure, characterized by offset walls and floors at different heights, creates a sense of spaciousness beyond its actual 60 square meters.

prioritizing various interactions within the spaces

introducing a liberal way of living

the interior promotes a dynamic and adaptable lifestyle [dbcosmo_fullwidth_image src="https://static.designboom.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/building-frame-of-the-house-igarchitects-designboom-21800.jpg" width="1800" height="1200" image_title="building-frame-of-the-house-igarchitects-designboom-21800"][/dbcosmo_fullwidth_image]

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the side walls are free of openings, thus strong sunlight would not penetrate the interior

throughout the day, natural light filters in from the north side wall, creating a vivid connection to the passage of time, changing weather, and shifting seasons