Rowhouse in Itabashi-Honcho  -CASABELLA-Design Team：KAWAKUBO TOMOYASU
Size： 225 m²   
Location：Tokyo, Japan

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Feature：

Project - In a quiet Tokyo neighborhood near the Route 7 loop, architect Tomoyasu Kawakubo has created an ingenious new apartment building that defies conventional housing typologies. Dubbed Casabella, the three-story complex occupies an irregularly shaped, sloped plot hemmed in by roads on three sides - conditions that would normally severely limit the buildable area. Kawakubo's innovative solution involves offsetting the building footprint from the parcel boundaries and employing the "sky exposure plane" exemption to extend portions of the upper floors beyond the zoning envelope. This allowed him to maximize interior space while creating striking projecting volumes. The staggered, "skip-floor" layout further opens up the residences. The resulting sculptural form is a refreshing departure from Tokyo's typical boxy apartments. Small extruded masses containing window nooks encourage residents to personalize these cozy spaces as small businesses, ateliers or simply relaxation areas. Combined with the open-concept interiors, they put occupants' unique lifestyles on display to the street. By thinking outside the box, Kawakubo has crafted an unexpectedly bold yet contextual design maximizing every square meter of the constrained site. At 96.2% of the permitted size, Casabella showcases how skillful planning can create distinctive homes from even the most challenging urban plots.

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Design Team - Founded in 2005, Kawakubo Tomoyasu Architecture & Associates is a Tokyo-based architectural firm making waves with their innovative residential and commercial projects. Led by principal architect Tomoyasu Kawakubo, a first-class certified architect, the firm's tight-knit team approaches each commission with fresh creative energy. Kawakubo cut his teeth at the renowned Isozaki Arata & Associates before branching out on his own in 2002. His mastery of spatial planning and keen eye for detail shine through in designs that maximize functionality while expressing a distinct aesthetic vision. The firm's residential work, such as the award-winning Kuramae Small House and Nishihara Row Houses, demonstrates an ability to craft highly livable spaces on constrained urban sites. With Kawakubo at the helm, the practice embraces an interdisciplinary approach, often blurring the lines between architecture and product design. This cross-pollination results in compelling environments where customized furniture and fixtures seamlessly integrate with the architectural concepts. Beyond designing innovative buildings, the firm is deeply engaged in architectural education. Kawakubo has taught at Nihon University's College of Engineering since 2014 and serves as a visiting researcher, nurturing the next generation of talent.

Through built works earning international acclaim and a commitment to advancing the profession, Kawakubo Tomoyasu Architecture & Associates has cemented its position as one of Japan's most exciting emerging practices.