Tokyo architectural firm No. 555 celebrates everyday life by building in an enchanting casualness. Their domestic designs are explorations of ease and practicality—always approached using humble, commercial building materials in ways that call for double takes. See, for instance, the Vertical Alley, their live/work tower for a couple in Tokyo, and their Wabi-Sabi Surf Shack built from insulation blocks and tarps.
Known internally as Cell (Nut), this unassuming house was commissioned by a couple—a businessman and a kindergarten teacher—with three kids who were returning to Utazu, their hometown in Japan’s Kagawa Prefecture, to be close to both sets of grandparents. The single-story, bunker-like main structure opens to a grid of linked rooms designed to create a communal spirit and to easily evolve as the family’s needs change (scroll to the end to see a floor plan). Out back, there’s a two-story folly of sorts: a tower that provides storage, work space, and an additional place to play. Not coincidentally, the numbers 555 signify change and new beginnings of a decidedly positive sort.
Photography courtesy of No. 555.
![located in utazu\2\17;s old town within walking distance of all the gran 17](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/no555-architectural-design-nut-cell-house-1-733x523.jpg)
![the all over open shelving of waxed larch plywood is admittedly not for neatnik 18](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/no555-architectural-design-nut-cell-house-2-733x523.jpg)
The structural supports are the same painted wood-wool cement board as on the exterior and the partitions are painted plywood. The floor is concrete with a water-repellent finish.
![the steel wood stove is a custom design. 19](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/no555-architectural-design-nut-cell-house-3b-733x523.jpg)
![the life of the house revolves around the central kitchen and dining area. 20](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/no555-architectural-design-nut-cell-house-5-733x523.jpg)
![the dining table is another no. 555 steel framed design with a top of reinforce 21](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/no555-architectural-design-nut-cell-house-6-733x523.jpg)
That’s the entry closet room beyond the wood stove. The glass doors—framed in wood finished with Osmo white wood wax—lead to the sunroom.
![the bedrooms are partitioned with curtains. the kids sleep on futons that are r 22](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/no-555-architects-nut-012-733x523.jpg)
![the house is in a neighborhood of traditional houses. it has an frp (fiber rein 25](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/no555-architectural-design-nut-cell-house-9-733x523.jpg)
![a tarp provides shade for the sun room. 26](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/no555-architectural-design-nut-cell-house-9b-733x523.jpg)
![the \2\20;annex \2\2\1; is stepped back from the road. &am 27](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/no555-architectural-design-nut-cell-house-10-733x523.jpg)
![the annex is use to store bikes and other equipment and as a workshop. 28](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/no555-architectural-design-nut-cell-house-tower-11-733x523.jpg)
![the plywood paneled upstairs offers prime views of the town and has become a ki 29](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/no555-architectural-design-nut-cell-house-12-733x523.jpg)
![a 3 d plan of the flexible gridwork interior. 30](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/no555-architectural-design-nut-cell-house-plan-1-733x517.png)
Here are three more residential projects by No. 555:
- An Inventive Sliver of a House in Tokyo
- A DIY (Do It Together) Apartment Renovation in Hayama, Japan
- Rescued Relic: A Kanagawa Atelier for Two Sisters
Frequently asked questions
Who designed the modern Japanese family house featured in the remodelista article?
The modern Japanese family house was designed by No. 555 Architects.
What is the style of the modern Japanese family house?
The modern Japanese family house is designed in a minimalist style with an emphasis on geometric shapes and natural materials.
What materials were used in the construction of the modern Japanese family house?
The modern Japanese family house was constructed using a combination of exposed concrete, natural wood, and glass.
What is the layout of the modern Japanese family house like?
The modern Japanese family house features an open-plan design with a central courtyard that allows natural light to penetrate the interior spaces.
What is the inspiration behind the design of the modern Japanese family house?
The design of the modern Japanese family house is inspired by the traditional Japanese concept of 'ma' which emphasizes the importance of negative space and promotes a sense of calm and tranquility.
What kind of energy-saving features does the modern Japanese family house have?
The modern Japanese family house features several energy-saving features such as triple-pane windows, a high-performance insulation system, and solar panels.
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