December 23, 2014
WAA complete the A' House in Tokyo, Japan
This compact live/work, gallery-like space is nestled within the dense expanse of Tokyo, in Nishi-Azabu—a neighborhood characterized by narrow streets and traditional low-rise houses—which borders a park heavily visited during the spring, when the city’s cherry trees begin to bloom. Its 136-square-meter area consists of five horizontally divided spaces, each connected by a minuscule sculptural spiraling staircase that, given the footprint of the building, allows for loft-like spaces within its intimate confines. Oversized windows punctuate the façade, each with two layers of glazing; one is transparent and one is of the same relief glass that wraps the façade. These oversized windows, with their dual layers of glazing, can be countlessly reconfigured, to regulate the interior flow of daylight.
Both the transparent and relief glass of the windows slides on tracks, which extend to double the width of each, for unobstructed views. They also extend to the floor, to ensure that the building remains responsive to passing street life. When closed, they cloak it within an iridescent texture. On the ground floor, one of these windows serves as the main entry, and slides open to reveal the kitchen.
Read more about the A' House