The 13-foot-wide sliding window provides abundant natural light year-round. The staircase was placed at the building's center to maximize openness and make space for the carport below. The blackboard is for the couple's young son, Takuma, to play with and practice writing. Photo 5 of 5 in Surrounded on Nearly All Sides? These Homes Tackled Tough Sites and Won by Zach Edelson from House of the Week: This Japanese Gem Has Some Serious Storage Tricks Up its Sleeve

Surrounded on Nearly All Sides? These Homes Tackled Tough Sites and Won

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The 13-foot-wide sliding window provides abundant natural light year-round. The staircase was placed at the building's center to maximize openness and make space for the carport below. The blackboard is for the couple's young son, Takuma, to play with and practice writing.