The Bay Window Tower House

The award-winning building is located in Tokyo's Shibuya district and houses a small residential and office building. The vision was to create spaces with seating all around. Comparable to Japanese verandas, Takaaki Fuji + Yuko Fuji Architecture designed the building as a tower with bay windows, where each resident can enjoy their own view of the city.

Based on an environmental analysis, the tower was designed to have different environmental characteristics depending on the season, time of day, floor and orientation – to meet the different conditions of light, wind and heat. Carbonized cork was used to reduce the heat load, as it is lightweight, has high thermal insulation and is easy to work with.

Inside, a spiral staircase connects the floors. Takaaki Fuji + Yuko Fuji have chosen materials such as wood, cork and certain types of paint that develop and flourish over time – materials with a unique character.

In line with the transformation of materials, the house was designed to meet the equally changing needs of its residents. For example, lamps are integrated into pieces of furniture that can be moved as needed – the interior design can be easily adapted as the children grow up. "The uniqueness of the house arises from its surroundings and the people who live in it," summarizes Takaaki Fuji.

Integrated into the bay, a DuraSquare furniture washbasin from Duravit is located directly at the window and fits perfectly into its timeless and durable design – even with a changing interior design. In addition, a Starck bathtub is embedded in the extended window area. The breathtaking skyscrapers of the city center can be seen from the bathtub.