In the bustling urban landscape of Tokyo, a residential and workspace project by HOAA, named House in Nakano, ingeniously navigates the constraints of a tightly packed district. Spanning 96.38 square meters, the dwelling, which also serves as the architect’s own home and studio, was faced with the challenge of limited natural light due to surrounding structures. Overcoming this, the design introduces a distinctive elevated terrace, dubbed the 'Kazari Garden,' which gracefully extends outwards, capturing sunlight and offering expansive views to the interior spaces.
This innovative design transcends the typical boundaries of urban living by creating a dynamic interaction between the private residence and its public surroundings. The Kazari Garden, with its fluid, curved form, reaches towards the street, ensuring ample sunlight for thriving greenery and illuminating the dining area. This interaction naturally sparks conversations between residents tending to their plants and passersby, fostering a sense of community engagement. The house, through this design, transforms into a dynamic civic element—a spontaneous observation deck, a miniature park, or an elevated porch that seamlessly integrates with the urban fabric.
The interior architecture of the House in Nakano is thoughtfully structured with a split-level system, a response to the natural elevation changes of the site. Wooden finishes define the inner spaces, guiding views between the sunlit Kazari Garden and a more secluded Back Garden. This arrangement facilitates a continuous, spiral-like circulation that reorients daily routines and perspectives. Rather than concealing possessions, the design celebrates them; shelves lining pathways display an array of ceramics, books, photographs, and plants. These everyday objects are viewed as living archives, adding subtle texture and self-awareness to the home, akin to a continuously evolving art gallery.
Hiroyuki Oinuma, the architect, emphasizes the concept of 'Kazari,' which signifies ornamentation or decoration, as a crucial social and psychological link within the architectural context. The project challenges conventional notions that architectural embellishments are merely superficial. Instead, it posits that thoughtful decoration, particularly through the inclusion of living elements, can profoundly enrich the daily domestic experience in an urban setting, fostering well-being and connection.
Ultimately, House in Nakano stands as a testament to creative urban design, demonstrating how architectural ingenuity can transform perceived limitations into defining features that enhance both functionality and community interaction. Through its innovative use of a looping terrace and a thoughtfully designed interior, the residence offers a vibrant, engaging living and working environment within the dense urban fabric of Tokyo.