Light-gradations and solidity characterize a unique Tokyo house design

A highly unique design, House T by Suppose Design Office in Tokyo evokes cave-like mystery with its carefully considered gradations of light, monolithic form and sense of solidity.

As a speculative project designed for future sale or rent, the floor plan is intended to be variable in order to accommodate future desires and different lifestyles. The architect explains that by carefully studying the building’s proportions, the plans and cross-sections were developed with the hope that anyone could live in the house.

The basement floor is directly accessible from the road on a steeply sloping site with a dug-in garage. The second floor, with void space to below, allows for a sense of openness even though it is closed off by a higher floor. And the third floor is raised as high as possible to maximize views.

With an exterior shell of concrete and an interior lined with wood, intriguing light gradations are felt within thanks to a selective, controlled insertion of openings. This results in spaces with a sense of depth and quiet within the shadows.

No air-conditioning is used in the scheme. Instead, cold water is passed through louvred pipes in the ceiling to cool rooms in the summer. Warm water radiates from the fireplace and is circulated under the floor during the winter months.