Imai House by Katsutoshi Sasaki + Associates
The narrow profile of this home covers just over 750 square feet, but still manages to provide an airy environment.
Photo provided by Katsutoshi Sasaki + Associates
Nakada works from an Alvar Aalto table in the living and dining area, adjacent to the kitchen. He saved on some elements, such as the plywood cabinetry, and splurged on others, such as the Finn Juhl chairs and Vilhelm Lauritzen lamp. A skylight beneath the angled roof allows in a sliver of constantly changing light.
Yumi (left) and Maya (right) cheese around on the steps leading into the front door. Inside, there is ample space for removing and leaving one's shoes, another Japanese element.
The bathrooms feature the same polished concrete flooring and poured concrete counters found elsewhere in the home. A honed granite recessed shower provides a visual counterpoint to the sea of white and steel.
Concrete stairs leading up to a sleeping loft are illuminated with wall sconces.