NEVER TOO SMALL - Japanese Artist’s Unique Open Air Family Home, Tokyo 57sqm/613sqft

The Nugget

  • Living in a small space can be both comfortable and efficient, especially when designed creatively and strategically.

Key quotes

  • "I live in this house with my wife and 3 children."
  • "Ships are designed to live comfortably in a small space."
  • "New houses in this area are required to comply with strict size regulations."
  • "In the evening my wife and I lay futon here and this becomes our bedroom."
  • "It is a great place for family with a large park, school and shops within walking distance."

Key insights

Innovative Design Features

  • The house cleverly maximizes space by having no roof over the living room, creating a courtyard instead.
  • By integrating the entrance with the living room, the space feels more open and less congested.
  • The living room utilizes camping furniture that can be easily moved and is weatherproof.

Multi-Functional Areas

  • The kitchen and dining area are designed for efficiency and incorporate smart storage solutions like hiding less attractive items behind yellow doors.
  • The bathroom is strategically divided into separate spaces for vanity and toilet, optimizing usability for a family of five.
  • The upper floor is versatile, serving as an entertainment area during the day and transforming into a bedroom at night.

Family-Centric Living

  • The house layout prioritizes functionality for a family of five, including the need for multiple toilets and a large dining table.
  • Children's needs are well-considered, with shared bedrooms, ample storage for toys and books, and future plans to divide the space for privacy as they grow.

Make it stick

  • 🏠 Maximize space by incorporating multi-functional areas and clever storage solutions.
  • 🎨 Innovative design features like an open roof living room and integrated entrance can create a spacious feel in a small house.
  • 🌿 Prioritize family needs in the design, from multiple toilets to shared bedrooms and versatile spaces.
  • 🛏️ Embrace unique living arrangements, like sleeping on futons on the floor, to optimize small spaces for multiple functions.
This summary contains AI-generated information and may be misleading or incorrect.