In Yanaka, Tokyo, a neighborhood known for its historic shrines and temples, architecture firm HAGISO Inc has designed a cozy 3-story residence with a unique internal structure.
Though the contemporary yellow facade fits in with densely built streets, the internal design is skewed by about 10 degrees, creating a triangular space for the dynamic stairwell and a skylight. Looking closely at the facade, one will quickly notice that the front door and balcony are angled inward, reflecting the unique arrangement of the walls. However, inside the space feels warm and familiar using light wooden flooring, varnished wooden archways that contrast against the white walls and beamed ceilings, giving the house a traditional feel.
In the main floor, the kitchen’s indigo cabinets and yellow subway tiles are a focal point, adding a bold touch of color to the neutral interior and tying the inside to the facade’s palette. Along the walls, built-in wooden shelving, columns and wall panels root the space in natural materials.
Hagiso Inc’s mixed curation of mid-century and handcrafted furniture in the main floor gives the home a lived-in appeal, while remaining true to the quiet sensibility of the house. In the same room, a flower-like pendant shade and retro wall sconces add fun touches to the sleek living space and provide ambient lighting at night.
The stairwell leading to the remaining floors is cut into two different styles, beginning with grainy solid wood steps and then abruptly changing to dark metal floating steps that gently curve as they turn. The floating steps also allow more natural light through, further illuminating the spaces it connects.
In the remaining rooms, built in shelving and cabinets, as well as doorframes and window frames, utilize the light wood found throughout the house. Elsewhere, small moments of brick tiled floor continue to bring the outdoors in, a recurrent theme that runs through the design.
See the gallery above for an in-depth look at HAGISO Inc’s Twist House.
