Japanese Architecture

Unique Homes in Japan: Extreme Minimalist Residence in Tokyo

In this installment of the unique homes in Japan series, we feature the O Residence by Shinichi Ogawa & Associates, which was designed to be one big white minimal space with a 9-meter (29.5 feet) long counter at the center of the living space.

As the architect explains, the extremely minimal composition of this house took its shape in order to make the external landscape the focus of the room. Despite being located in a central and dense urban area of Tokyo, one whole facade of the building overlooks green space, a rare privilege in the city.

Living room in the O Residence. Photo: Courtesy of Shinichi Ogawa & Associates
Living room in the O Residence. Photo: Courtesy of Shinichi Ogawa & Associates

The three-story building is 12 meters by 9 meters by 9 meters (39.4 feet x 29.5 feet x 29.5 feet).

Photo Courtesy of Shinichi Ogawa & Associates
Photo Courtesy of Shinichi Ogawa & Associates

The living, dining and kitchen (LDK) space was designed to be an extremely minimal space with a long counter running the length of the room and topped by a long, narrow ceiling light.

A 9-meter (29.5 feet) long counter defines the living space. Photo: Courtesy of Shinichi Ogawa & Associates
A 9-meter (29.5 feet) long counter defines the living space. Photo: Courtesy of Shinichi Ogawa & Associates

Large windows on the 12-meter long side of the house bring the external environment into the home.

Movie wall in the O Residence. Photo: Courtesy of Shinichi Ogawa & Associates
Movie wall in the O Residence. Photo: Courtesy of Shinichi Ogawa & Associates

There is garage space on the first floor, the second is occupied by the living, dining, and kitchen space, and the private rooms are on the third floor.

Master bedroom in the O Residence. Photo: Courtesy of Shinichi Ogawa & Associates
Master bedroom in the O Residence. Photo: Courtesy of Shinichi Ogawa & Associates
Bathroom in the O Residence. Photo: Courtesy of Shinichi Ogawa & Associates
Bathroom in the O Residence. The bathtub looks out to green space but the blinds can be drawn for privacy. Photo: Courtesy of Shinichi Ogawa & Associates

The rooms are connected by a long corridor that doubles as a walk-in closet, while the three floors are connected by two stairways that face each other on the back (long-sided) wall of the building. This space is lighted by a thin slit in the ceiling.

Stairs in the O Residence face each other. Photo: Courtesy of Shinichi Ogawa & Associates
Stairs in the O Residence face each other. Photo: Courtesy of Shinichi Ogawa & Associates

From the architect: “The extreme minimal composition of this house responds in the most silent way to its compact and intricate urban setting, and seeks for a maximum enjoyment of its main asset: the beautiful exterior landscape.”

The site area is 211.59 square meters and the building area is 102.22 square meters.

O Residence site. Image: ArchDaily
O Residence site. Image: ArchDaily
O Residence first floor. Image: ArchDaily
O Residence first floor. Image: ArchDaily
O Residence Second Floor. Image: ArchDaily
O Residence Second Floor. Image: ArchDaily
O Residence third floor. Image: ArchDaily
O Residence third floor. Image: ArchDaily
O Residence Sectional. Image: ArchDaily
O Residence Sectional. Image: ArchDaily

You may also be interested in: 3.4 Meter-Wide Bracket House in Tokyo


4 thoughts on "Unique Homes in Japan: Extreme Minimalist Residence in Tokyo"

Juozas Vincas Astrauskas

I like pretty japanese minimalistic houses !

Realty Shield

Nice and informative Blog ! http://www.realtyshield.in/encumbrance-certificate.php

Adolf Krémer

simple&awesome

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