A Japanese Painter’s Wedge-Shaped Home Tucks its Living Space Behind a Gallery Wall

This radical home along Japan’s Tokaido road, the country’s historic eastern sea route, doubles as an art gallery and studio.

If a roof is angled sharply enough, it becomes a wall. Such is the case in 8.5 House, a 940-square-foot home by Tokyo-based architects DOG that grows upwards to a razor’s edge. The vertical design makes room enough for a painter, his wife, their child, his wife’s mother, and the painter’s studio.

Photo by Satoshi Takae

Photo by Satoshi Takae

An exhibition wall for the painter’s work cuts a diagonal across the home’s rectangular footprint, and stretches upwards nearly to the roof’s peak. This transforms the home’s entrance into a double-height, foyer-esque gallery space. A trapezoidal glass facade and doors let passersby peer into the studio space from the street. Two bedrooms and a storage area are tucked behind the wall on the street level, and a living space, dining area, and kitchen perch directly above at the top of the staircase.

Photo by Satoshi Takae

See the full story on Dwell.com: A Japanese Painter’s Wedge-Shaped Home Tucks its Living Space Behind a Gallery Wall
Related stories:

  • A “Granny-Chic” London Victorian Shines After a Charred-Timber Retofit
  • Before & After: A Mixed-Up Montauk Beach House Gets a Sleek New Look
  • A Sensational Green Roof Fuses This Home With the Australian Coast

Similar Posts

  • Villa Pizzorusso

    One of the most remarkable Puglia villa rentals available, this restored 16th-century masseria (fortified farmhouse) stands proudly on the ancient Appian Way. If you are looking for a luxurious holiday retreat brimming with character and history, this stunning property is for you. Deep in the countryside and surrounded by olive groves, Villa Pizzorusso is the ideal place to get away from it all. The secluded gardens, filled with orange trees and aromatic herbs, are wonderfully private, and you’ll love the magnificent 80 ft (25 m) swimming pool. Enjoy a morning coffee or early evening aperitif on the extensive first-floor terrace and take in the views across the peaceful landscape. The character of the grand old masseria is still in evidence throughout. Enter the interior through the arched portal and step into a world of barrel-vaulted ceilings, stone arches and a wealth of period details that wouldn’t look out of place on a film set. Different parts of the building date from different eras: the main wing, complete with five cupolas and frescoed ceilings, was added in the 18th century, while the main living area – including an open-plan kitchen – is located within the 17th-century stables. There’s plenty of space to accommodate up to twelve guests. Each bedroom is air-conditioned and simply furnished with neutral tones and traditional wood furniture, while the bathrooms feature striking contemporary fixtures. Four of the bedrooms are located in the main villa with the two upstairs bedrooms having private entrances and secluded access from the ground floor, while two more are located in a smaller stone building in the courtyard. There is much to see and do in the area – from the beaches of the Ionian and Adriatic coasts, to the whimsical conical architecture of the local trulli dwellings. Gourmet travelers should stop at the charming local market town of Mesagne, with its bakeries, wine co-ops and cheese shops (the fresh mozzarella and ricotta are made daily). Puglia is also rich in picturesque medieval cities, such as Ostuni and Otranto, their atmospheric narrow streets lined with an abundance of restaurants specializing in the delectable local cuisine.

  • Modern Minimalism Meets Reimagined African Heritage Inside this Cape Town Home

    Contemporary, sophisticated and infused with an inimitable African spirit, Project La Belle Vue in Cape Town is one that creates a relaxing sanctuary amidst constant urban rush. This Cape Town home was extensively redone by Bomax Architects while OKHA stepped in to add stunning décor pieces that make a huge difference to the overall ambiance. […]

    You’re reading Modern Minimalism Meets Reimagined African Heritage Inside this Cape Town Home, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.