Nami Nami House designed by Yoshinori Sakano Architects springs from the wish of an older couple from Tokyo to continue living on the same land that they have lived their long life.
In spite of the problems they could find in a house like this, such as the staircase or the narrow bath, they reject the architects’ advice of moving to a comfortable apartment and, in this way, this peculiar and brilliant project arises.
After experimenting with different solutions, the architects decided on a thin arc-shaped volume to complement an efficiently planned interior with enough space for a small outdoor terrace. The external envelope is clad in a silver corrugated material, while the rooms are characterized by a rhythmic and wave-shaped ceiling which influences the illusion of a larger space.
Urban regulations are very restrictive about the occupancy of the floor: they just could build 50% of the plot. As a result to this problem, Flat House maximize the plot’s use curving the main façade, what will become the most representative characteristic of the project. The same setting back of the façade makes appear a courtyard as an exterior entrance. This is a place thought to share with neighbors and family.
‘We did many studies and tried to find a comfortable habitable solution…a small outdoor space-which resembles a tiny pocket park is located on the northern end of the site with a ‘green wall’ to anticipate soft reflection of light. We hope that this would function as a community space for the residents and their neighbors.’ – Yoshinori Sakano