Located in Dennenchofu in the southern periphery of Tokyo, this residential district was designed in the early 20th century following the ideas of Ebenezer Howard for the Garden City. Today, this area is highly sought after, as it comprises low-rise housing within green spaces – the complete opposite to Tokyo congestion.
The program includes a clinic (located on the ground level) attached to the residence; the 90m2 plot (irregularly subdivided by land inheritance) is squeezed between the adjacent houses with only a 2.5m wide alley as access from the street. Usually projects with this site shape, use the fl ag part as building, while the pole part is used as for parking and approach. Opposed to this traditional solution yet complying with code and regulations, CFD simulation studies were performed to assess a shape that would profi t from natural light and ventilation.
The resulting unique building footprint allows a space that harmonizes with the neighborhood green areas. Additionally, the living room on the second fl oor features a private terrace cantilevered over the narrow parking space.