The main concept was to connect all the spaces in the house via half-floor increments. One enters on the first floor to the dining and kitchen area, and may proceed one-half a floor up to a tatami mat room. One half-floor further up is the main space of the house, where the southern facing balcony, living room, and bedrooms are combined under the exposed wood rafter ceiling. Although the house is 2 stories tall, the gradual connection by stairs and voids gives the feeling that it is a single space.