japanese office kazuya saito architects has just completed their first project in setagaya-ku,
tokyo, japan. 'house shimouma' is a three-storey residential building on a narrow 4m x 11m lot.
construction took only three months to meet the project's tight budget and schedule.

a number of different, competing urban elements on site called for a careful negotiation
of space during the design process. instead of building flush against the neighboring building
to make up for the tight lot, the design left enough room in between for natural light to enter
through the eastern facade. the narrower faces to the north and the south are cut in strategic
but subtle angles to maximize on space. a matte, dark brown finish on the exterior walls softens
the look of the corners.

in order to make up for the long and narrow interior space, circulation is encouraged to move
vertically throughout the building: the second level accommodates the kitchen, living,
and dining area while private programs such as washrooms and bedrooms take up
the first and third levels.

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-joel