Small House Seems Large | Tokyo: Living Small in the Big City

TL;DR

Japanese architect Yasuhiro Yamashita uses innovative manipulation of light to make small spaces in Tokyo's Penguin House feel larger and more open.

Transcript

confined spaces present a very material problem for Japanese Architects which they often resolve using ethereal Solutions like the Innovative manipulation of light few sites in Tokyo better demonstrate how sunlight can make a small home seem larger than the plump and aptly named penguin house it was designed by award-winning architect yasuhiro Yama... Read More

Key Insights

• 🛩️ Japanese architect Yasuhiro Yamashita uses light manipulation as a solution for small spaces in Penguin House.
• 😃 Extending sight lines and utilizing wasted space help to make the rooms feel bigger and less cluttered.
• 🤵 Ceiling heights are adjusted based on room size to maintain a sense of openness.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does Yasuhiro Yamashita use light to make the interior of Penguin House appear more expansive?

Yamashita uses a simple idea of setting up four walls and cutting off the corners, allowing light to come in through these illuminated corners. He also places glass boxes on top of the cut-off corners to create a space where light enters and allows for a view outside.

Q: How does Yamashita make rooms in Penguin House feel bigger?

Yamashita extends sight lines by designing streamlined staircases that offer a view past the stairs to the open space beyond. He also utilizes wasted space above the stairwell, creating a floating kitchen countertop with no visible support structure to give a less cluttered appearance.

Q: What role does ceiling height play in creating a sense of space in Penguin House?

Yamashita raises and lowers ceiling heights throughout the house based on the floor space of each room. The smaller the room, the higher the ceiling, which creates a feeling of spaciousness. High ceilings in narrow areas like the entrance hall and small bathroom make them feel larger.

Q: How does the top level of Penguin House utilize light to create a sense of space?

The top level of the house is made into a light box, with light coming in through wall-to-wall windows. The light disperses and offers a view outside, giving a feeling of roominess.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Penguin House, designed by architect Yasuhiro Yamashita, showcases how sunlight can make small homes in Tokyo appear larger.

• Yamashita utilizes the manipulation of light through cut-off corners and glass boxes to create a sense of space.

• The house features high ceilings and extended sight lines to give the illusion of openness.