Living Large in Small Space

Lighten up the atmosphere

Build it high and narrow

Open plan living with functional pieces of furniture

D3 Studio, a Tokyo-based architect company, and BoConcept have worked closely together over the past year to develop a model for a compact house that has plenty of living space, while still allowing for a small garden on a lot of land less than 1,300 sq. ft.

With two bedrooms, one bathroom, a combined living/dining/kitchen area and entryway, the house is big enough for one family. During this unique collaboration, BoConcept provided the architects with advice regarding the choice of furniture, lighting, wall and floor colors suitable for a modern, contemporary- styled house, where space is key.

As the price of land increases in Japan, the sizes of lots are being reduced to make them affordable to more people. The small-sized lots set limitations on the size of the house that can be built on the lot. So what do you do? You build your home high and narrow so you can fit in all the rooms and belongings you need. This is truly living large in small space.

Breaking down the walls

The closed, external design of the house is made with respect to the Japanese culture of privacy. Inside, the Japanese style of living has been fused with the Scandinavian, with an open plan livingl diningl kitchen area. On one side of the room, large glass doors invite plenty of light into the room, while also connecting the indoor area with the small courtyard outside. The open plan room gives you a sense of space that is hard to find in small- sized homes. The modern staircase adds character to the room.

When it came to decorating the interior and filling it with furniture, functionality was key. The furniture had to complement the modern architectural style of the house, while also taking into consideration space management – getting the most

The dining table easily extends for a dinner party of 10

A light, private retreat with elevated windows

out of the limited space available without cluttering it up too much. The wall system in the living area provides ample storage space while still looking sleek and stylish. The coffee table works as a storage space, as well as a perfect place to work and dine with tabletops that can be elevated into a higher position. In the dining area, the dining table easily extends for dinner parties and folds back when the party is over. The sideboard has been lifted from the floor and the wall shelves are a small work of art that are functional as well.

The kitchen area is defined by a countertop made of steel for a very modern, industrial look. White lacquered cabinets are mounted onto the wall behind the counter. The combination of steel and white lacquer makes the kitchen truly distinctive from the rest of the open room.

Dreamland

The bedrooms are on the 2nd floor. A narrow band of windows by the ceiling allows as much light into the room as possible without compromising privacy. The simple room has been turned into a uniquely elegant bedroom, featuring a low bed, nightstands in black- stained oak and silver wall paper that reflects light around the room. Back light panels give the room a dramatic atmosphere.

The house will be used as a model home for one year. Customers can buy a similar house that can be custom fitted to their lot.