Japanese-Style Homes with Engawas

This traditional Tokyo home had an engawa before it was renovated, but one that needed some restorative attention—rather than opening onto a garden, it faced a blank wall. The architects behind the remodel knocked down the wall, creating a larger lot. They situated the new house on the length of the lot, alongside a new garden that extends to the original engawa.

The entire interior wall opens, extending the house visually and socially into the small garden that lies between the multigenerational family’s two homes. The boys’ favorite feature is the soccer goalpost (which doubles as clothesline).