In Tokyo’s Setagaya Ward, a narrow plot of 30sqm/322sqft holds a house designed to feel far larger than its size.
House M, by Takehiko Suzuki Architects, stands beside an active railway line on land that was once much bigger. When construction plans to raise the tracks emerged, the owner sold part of the property but decided to rebuild on the remaining strip rather than leave the neighborhood he had lived in for years.
A central pillar and spiral staircase form the core of the home.
The design does more than connect floors. It compresses private rooms while expanding the areas between them, turning corridors and steps into places to sit, store, and live. Each level transitions smoothly through changes in height, light, and material. Birch plywood furniture and exposed beams reduce the sense of crowding. Stair treads vary in width, serving as benches, storage, or spots to pause.
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The entrance steps serve as seating and shoe storage. The treads widen slightly, leaving space beneath for shoes while providing a place to sit. This small choice sets the tone: circulation spaces are meant to be used, not just passed through.
The sleeping area is raised just enough to create storage underneath. Floor panels lift to reveal space for suitcases, seasonal clothes, and everyday items. Instead of bulky cabinets, a clean platform keeps the room open.
A waist-high cabinet stands between the dining area and the staircase, accessible from both sides. Glass sliding doors on each face maintain clear sightlines and allow light to flow. Rather than dividing the space, the cabinet helps the compact layout feel more open.
The built-in sofa in the living room sits slightly recessed from the stair edge, giving the room extra breathing room. Though its footprint is small, it stretches long enough to accommodate overnight guests, functioning as both seating and a spare bed.
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Even the balcony receives careful design. A simple metal rail along the edge offers a place to hang towels or laundry without occupying floor space. This minor detail reflects the house’s broader approach: every element serves multiple purposes.
The home unfolds as a series of moments rather than separate rooms. Light changes as you move upward, and features like stairs and cabinets take on several roles. The result feels expansive despite its size, where moving between floors becomes part of daily life.
Photographs of House M by Masao Nishikawa show how structure and movement blend into more than just a living space.
