Tokin Tokin: A Unique and Innovative House Design

Creating a Floating Living Space with Acute Angles

In the bustling city of Nagoya, Japan, a remarkable house stands out among the low-rise buildings. Tokin Tokin, meaning "sharply angled" in the local dialect, is a housing plan designed by Osamu Hamada for a family of four. This innovative design not only maximizes the use of the triangular site but also creates a floating living space with acute angles, making it a true architectural gem.

The unique feature of Tokin Tokin lies in its utilization of the triangular site geometry. By constructing walls along the edges of the triangle, the design achieves a floating effect, with the living space seemingly suspended above the roadway. The sharp corners of the building act as colonnades, allowing ample light and wind to enter while maintaining privacy from external gazes.

One of the key strengths of Tokin Tokin is its integration of the parking space with the flow of people. The design incorporates a penetrating road that serves as both a parking area and a pathway. The volume of the upper floor acts as an eave, ensuring that cars and individuals can approach the building without getting wet during rainy days.

To realize this unique design, a mixed structure approach was employed. The first-floor walls were constructed using reinforced concrete to withstand the impact of parking, while the upper floors were built with wooden parts. This combination not only reduced the overall construction cost but also added a touch of warmth and natural beauty to the interior.

Tokin Tokin boasts impressive specifications, with a site area of 112.4 m2, a building area of 65.7 m2, and a total floor area of 136 m2. The height of the building reaches 8.8 m, providing ample space for comfortable living. The exterior walls are finished with dry board and spray, while the roof is made of Galvalume steel plate. Inside, the plaster finish creates a sleek and modern ambiance, complemented by oak wood flooring with an oil finish.

Functionally, Tokin Tokin makes the most of its limited site area. The V-shaped plane, aligned with the long side of the triangle, serves as the axis of the design. The intersection of the V shape houses the living room, acting as the heart of the house. This central space benefits from abundant natural light and ventilation, thanks to the void created by the acute angles. The design harmonizes perfectly with the surrounding low-rise buildings, creating a three-story structure that feels welcoming and unobtrusive. Its unique appearance has made it a landmark at the intersection, loved by both locals and passersby.

The design and construction of Tokin Tokin took place between 2013 and 2015 in Aichi Prefecture, Nagoya City, Japan. Throughout the project, the team faced challenges such as complying with height regulations and securing the necessary area. However, through careful calculations and innovative solutions, they were able to create a design that fully utilized the site's potential without compromising its conditions.

Recognized for its exceptional creativity and ingenuity, Tokin Tokin was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Architecture, Building, and Structure Design category in 2019. This prestigious accolade is bestowed upon designs that showcase outstanding technical and creative skills, contributing to improvements in quality of life and making the world a better place.