Architecture

Home and office squeezed into narrow city plot

Home and office squeezed into narrow city plot
House in Osaka hosts both a home and an office in a narrow city plot
House in Osaka hosts both a home and an office in a narrow city plot
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House in Osaka's ground floor includes an office and bathroom
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House in Osaka's ground floor includes an office and bathroom
House in Osaka's decor is very utilitarian
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House in Osaka's decor is very utilitarian
House in Osaka measures 97 sq m (1,044 sq ft)
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House in Osaka measures 97 sq m (1,044 sq ft)
House in Osaka features a staircase at its center
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House in Osaka features a staircase at its center
House in Osaka's second floor features its living and dining room, as well as a small kitchen
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House in Osaka's second floor features its living and dining room, as well as a small kitchen
House in Osaka's kitchen is relatively small
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House in Osaka's kitchen is relatively small
House in Osaka is slotted between two larger apartment buildings
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House in Osaka is slotted between two larger apartment buildings
House in Osaka hosts both a home and an office in a narrow city plot
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House in Osaka hosts both a home and an office in a narrow city plot
House in Osaka includes an attic space
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House in Osaka includes an attic space
House in Osaka has a total of three floors
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House in Osaka has a total of three floors
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Mountain House Architects was commissioned to create a private home and graphic design office in an awkward narrow plot flanked by apartment buildings. In response, the Japanese firm designed the 4.2 m (13.7 ft) wide House in Osaka.

Though House in Osaka is certainly narrow, it's not as skinny as some other examples we've seen, like the 2.3 m (91 inch) wide Slim House or the 3.7 m (12 ft) SkinnyScar, for example. Like the SkinnyScar, it's also relatively deep, measuring 18 m (60 ft), so Mountain House Architects still had some space to work with.

House in Osaka's decor is very utilitarian
House in Osaka's decor is very utilitarian

The interior is accessed by two doors: one connects to the graphic design office and the other offers access directly into the home proper. The layout is arranged around a central staircase and consists of a total floorspace of 97 sq m (1,044 sq ft), spread over three floors.

The decor, both in office and home, is utilitarian, with unfinished wood used throughout. Mountain House Architects also installed glazing at key points to try and maximize light inside without ruining the privacy of the owners or neighbors.

House in Osaka's second floor features its living and dining room, as well as a small kitchen
House in Osaka's second floor features its living and dining room, as well as a small kitchen

The ground floor features the graphic design office and the main bathroom, as well as a spare room that's not currently used. Moving up one level reveals the bulk of the living space, including a dining room, living room, a compact kitchen, a W.C. and a bedroom. Finally, the uppermost floor has another bedroom and an outdoor terrace area.

House in Osaka was designed back in 2017 and constructed over four months earlier this year.

Source: Mountain House Architects

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2 comments
2 comments
paul314
So about the size of what used to be called a starter home in the US. Before everyone had to live in a mcmansion.
buzzclick
The wood finish of the interior has can have a warm and natural feel, but it is overused, and the cheap plywood detracts. I'm sure the tenants of the lower floors in the adjoining buildings are thrilled to lose half their natural light.