Japanese architect Hiroyuki Unemori designed two homes in Tokyo, one for himself and one for his sister-in-law, emphasising privacy and connection.
Instead of a traditional fence, an open alley connects the two families, providing usable outdoor space, sunlight, and a connection to the gardens. Unemori utilised building coverage ratio regulations, creating elevated terraces and semi-underground spaces for each home.
The design incorporates specific window placements to connect each family with the sky, city, and nature. Both homes feature warm timber interiors and ample natural light. Unemori sees the project not as two separate houses, but as a small commons for their families, emphasising a generous and communal lifestyle.
English and Japanese subtitles are available.
Website article with photographs and the floor plan;
https://simpledwelling.net/homes/houses-unemori-architects
Japan trip supported by BowerBird
https://www.bowerbird.io/
https://www.instagram.com/bowerbird.io/
Japanese Architect Makes Clever Use of a 45m2 Site in Tokyo
A Series of Courtyards Enhances This 1850s Victorian Terrace House
Houses by Unemori Architects
https://unemori-archi.com/
https://www.instagram.com/unemori_architects/
Landscape design by soil green 4
http://soilgreen4.com/
https://www.instagram.com/keisuke_soilgreen4/
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21 Comments
Lovely!
Great design and use of small lots 👏👏
The guy is a little verbose 😅 but the project is very nice and well executed 👌
I love the sense of exploration that he created and the material selection is very expressive. ❤
naber salam lı tostum
Thank you for sharing unique projects like this one 🫶
Anoooo…
Stunning and unique building! Also beautifully shot. I always love the composition of the shots, so artistic! If I may just comment on one aspect I noticed since watching this channel which may be a matter of taste but perhaps something to consider: I sometimes feel a bit desorientated as the shots – beautiful as they are – shift rapidly to a different location in the house with seemingly little spatial connection between them (perhaps I'm the only one who feels a bit lost this way). It sometimes gives me the feeling that I haven't seen the whole house, which leaves me somewhat unfulfilled. I'd like to be more constructive as I unfortunately don't have a specific solution in mind within the style of the channel but I just wanted to share in case this feedback is useful 🙂
Anyway, I keep watching for the tasteful stills and wonderful architecture so keep it up!
Perfect! I would love to see this house as a character /setting in a movie. Also loved the sound scape in this.
I love the varying levels and spaces and especially how the design achieves the aims of it's philosophy. What a fabulous lifestyle he has created.
To think this was created from an open lot. I can't even imagine designing or visualizing this on paper before it was constructed.
Perfect design…co-living with family is coming back in trend & with the cost of living skyrocketing in so many countries is actually quite a sensible solution. This design captures a wonderful essence of privacy & togetherness.
I love Japanese architecture both old and new. Having Japanese in laws and visiting Japan I never tire of looking at dwellings. So many innovative ideas.
Kindly have a full house tour video… Of this… 😊❤
So thoughtfully arranged. Beautiful
I love everything about these houses and their concept. The ‘communal’ alleyway is a wonderful way to connect neighbours, the interior materials of the houses feel warm and inviting and the change of levels creates interesting spaces.
Does anyone know where these are?
peaceful❤
A powerful statement about living in community with reliable people.. enjoyed this tour thank you.
divina, fabulosa
super nice house! does anyone know what kind of wood he used in the interior project?
Beautiful, could imagine myself retiring there and having a peaceful life with my lovely Neighbour