Spiral home in Japan after dark

A single arcing gesture takes this stunning spiral home from two stories to three, with remarkable views out over the neighbors in all directions.

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Spiral home in Japan looking up

Set in Hiroshima and designed by Kimihiko Okada, the building was shaped by concerns for security and the eventual goal of having a little ground-level shop below.

Spiral home in Japan living
Spiral home in Japan dining

As a result, the dwelling itself sits on tall stilts with a series of slotted windows to let in light (and provide views) in accordance with the needs of each space – thinner slits for bedroom spaces and nearly floor-to-ceiling fenestration in other places.

Spiral home in Japan kitchen

Throughout, the spaces are narrow and the emphasis is on movement, terminating in an open deck at the terminus of the spiral which sits atop its own tail below.

Spiral home in Japan courtyard

More from the architects

“The site is located in a residential area developed on a gentle perch in Hiroshima, overlooking a far view of the Inland Sea and Miyajima. The land of this area is developed into platforms form with several levels. The architecture was requested to have a view over the roof of the neighboring house, standing one level lower, and to consider security, for the site is located at the edge of the residential area, and to leave some space for extension when the client opens a small shop in the future.”

Spiral home in Japan ground level
Spiral home in Japan facade

“To respond to the requests, the house is lifted from the ground. Like a bird’s nest, it called up architecture’s primary function of relief from disturbance. The house is open to the view and yet protected from the fear and environment. Slab and roof consists of one continuous plate. The variations of circulation and diverse spatial relations were achieved by placing a penetrating staircase. The extended plate made possible the future extension and softened the impression from the ground level. Spandrel wall changes its height accordingly to the thickness of slab. Together with the slab, the spandrel wall creates the continuous but various environments.”