NEVER TOO SMALL: Japanese Stacked Box House, Tokyo 51sqm/549sqft

[@valeria_sue777]

This is one of the very few homes in this channel that doesn't require a sacrifice of household appliances or personal possessions and privacy within the house's layout, for the sake of tiny home and minimalism! Not my favourite design, but due to the elements named above, it is indeed one of the most unique!

[@sw6118]

I’ve often wondered whether people do anything other than work and watch tv. This looks like they have a life and a place for hobby materials should they so desire.

[@koteria_]

@@sw6118 In Japan, unfortunately, there is "workaholism"; people can work themselves to death. This causes a lot of depression and suicides :( Japan is a beautiful country and I really like this minimalism, but people there often don't have time for an ordinary life.

[@JustinWilliams-pn9sg]

This is literally the jungle gym of homes. What a unique and fun take on design.

[@danielweizman1402]

The Japanese homes are always the best, the most thoughtful, unique, and modest in their own way.

[@Dessert_x_Tat]

Agree 1000%. :D

[@antonsitepu]

indeed 👍

[@Itswesleytime]

Not always. (From personal experience) people need to realize Japanese people are living humans too and not perfect robots

[@gigiatlas2364]

​@@Itswesleytimeyes, but they need to realise that themselves first

[@Cinephile-gy6fb]

Mind blowing. Going to have to watch it again. It’s clever in the very best sense, giving honor to each space. The design is so fitted to the urban atmosphere and the needs of residents who will not miss anything. Bravo!!! Came back to this comment say - the kitchen is positively gargantuan by Tokyo standards!!! What’s genius about the way the architect stacked the floors is that the highest point is quite limited but gives such a generous feeling to the entire house.

[@IfeomaNwanze1ze]

Couldn’t be typed better

[@deniseferron3397]

This house feels a lot more spacious than what you would expect for something under 600 square feet. I feel deep down in my bones that I would love living in this space. Quirky, cozy and thought out down to the last detail. Genius!!

[@MisterSynonym]

Glad to see another home with the bathroom functions compartmentalized. Someone can shower and get dressed, and it doesn't stop someone else using the toilet or doing make up etc.

[@Losshe]

This is very common in Japanese homes, regardless of size

[@avcomth]

12.75 sq. wa/51 sq.m is a huge plot of land. That crazy layering boxes design he implemented here wastes a lot of space. Could have just gone with a full scale cube and extend higher upward and create a really huge house.

[@irvines3583]

@@avcomth i think you misunderstood what he said, the house has 51 sqm of total floor area, not the land.

[@avcomth]

​@@irvines3583It doesn't matter what the size of that plot is because you can see at the beginning where they showed the outside that the compartmentisation design he utilised doesn't maximize the space+volume of this house. He could've just gone with a single bigger and higher box structure and create more than 51 sq.m. of floor space. But again, architects dont usually think logically like physicists or engineers because their visions are often skewed by their artistic ambitions.

[@manoqueenz]

@@avcomth Just because other neighboring houses are taller doesn't mean you can just build as big as you want. Zoning laws and regulations are a thing

[@jessisoffline]

YESS! One of my favourite takes on contemporary Japanese small living.

[@morgwn2377]

Congrats to the architects. They've created such a unique and inspiring space!

[@quietestkitten]

This is such a beautiful house! You will never feel too boxed in, even though it has a small footprint. The public space is so bright and airy and open. The bedroom and private space is so cosy. The only thing I can't imagine is turning it into two bedrooms. Since the shower door is glass, this house seems best for a couple who lives alone

[@CherryAdora]

Genius way of maximising space 👏👏👏 And I also love that he designed the bedroom with the future in mind - possible to convert into 2 rooms and access to either rooms will not be a problem.

[@forevermorealive]

Why would anyone do that? I do appreciate this channel featuring bigger houses instead of rooms masquerading as "apartments".

[@carolarellano6396]

Space is very tight in Tokyo and houses of this size is nothing unusual. So what seems like "rooms" to you is actually an apartment in Tokyo.

[@one4all126]

Just in case a couple split up but neither can afford to move out... 😂

[@maniak942]

I wouldn't really call these 2 floors of empty space above dining room maximising anything

[@Onyx-Rose150]

​@@maniak942 I can only assume it's meant to add a loft in future, because splitting the room for anyone except kids is ludicrous.

[@lyndaster46]

This space is super clever. I loved the bathroom bedroom arrangement so much. I felt the metal stairs would be horrific to fall down or to bump your head on. Parts of them looked really sharp. The shape of them was perfect. I loved the living space, but found the tv would be totally across the room and not that much fun to play video games on or watch if you were not seated at the dining table. I found the sofa was amazing and would easily double as guest sleeping space as needed. I might have added a softer surround for that sofa. The clean lines and simple pallet of materials is perfect. The color scheme was cool and airy. The space feels like you can seriously relax and breathe in there. The air circulation was a great idea to offset the temp fluctuations caused by the heights. I also loved the skip floor as I think he called it. what an amazing idea for smaller spaces. we often see that in larger homes, but it seems like we have been missing out on the full potential of this idea in smaller spaces. Even though this space is called "small" it really has everything and feels REALLY large. COOL!!!

[@jrautomotive81]

This architect is a genius!!! This place feels so cozy and useful at the same time. One of the best homes I've ever seen!

[@Pilikoa]

Seems spacious. You can tell a lot of thought went into each space and its functionality. I like the living room, he can actually have a small group of friends over and not feel cramped. He has space to work or spread out a newspaper. Having the bed and bath on the same level is a bonus.

[@javieraramirez4289]

This video is pure poetry. The narration in Japanese, the beautiful interior design, the natural light, the music! Thank you for the quality content

[@itsserhioball]

It's always a pleasure when the video about the Japanese apartment or house. Great work with space and so many unusual things! Bravo to the architect who designed all of this. It would be great to know the feedback from the owners but I love the idea of this separate world inside the house was made and enjoyed the video.

[@michelebelfiore921]

It can't be a coincidence, all the houses from Japan featured here are just amazing, it seems like they did understand how to build small places without making them feel small.

[@annephillips1870]

I’ve lived in Tokyo and people there really understand small spaces!

[@girard6061]

One of the best spaces I've seen here. Great use of windows and levels. It's quirky - a bit typical of the other Tokyo houses featured on this channel.

[@musicismylove92]

Absolutely love this home - maximizing the functionality while still being stylish, unique, and having all that the owners need!

[@chuunyu]

This house feels so weird but it's so beautiful and well designed to me. I really appreciate this space.

[@LisaCobaltblue]

I think this is a remarkable design. Love it. I do wish the ladders and bottom of stairs weren't metal. I love simplicity and the beauty of the wood work. Plenty of room to store stuff. Also, a great way to exercise and stay slim with all the different levels of getting from point A to point B. Congrats. ❤

[@EcomCarl]

Love how this house strikes a balance between functionality and spaciousness despite its small size. The skip floors and clever storage solutions are brilliant! 🏠

[@sharkzliew]

I love the use of galvanized materials, design and layout of this house. I can so see myself living in it. Thanks for this video.

[@Dessert_x_Tat]

This house is perfection! Every detail in it is a brilliant one. Thank you Never too Small for another great video.

[@B__C__]

The only think that I can think of changing is putting a rail around the entrance level to avoid falling into the storage moat downstairs after a late night out. Safety first. 😉

[@lindagarrido4353]

Would also be very dangerous for children

[@maqywhaq]

I wouldn't because I'm a dumbass and would want to be able to just hop down from there...

[@ags1370]

I often see designs like this in cool Japanese houses, even large ones. A sheer drop from a stair or landing with no rail. If they have really small children they will put up a net or something. They seem to think an adult or child of six or older will have enough sense not to fall. I also would fall at some point though, or be very afraid of it!

[@metislamestiza3708]

any time one needs a ladder for anything in a home, i, as a self affirmed klutz, find myself cringing inside!

[@boginoid]

@@ags1370 Me and my vertigo will stay away then.

[@catmeow49]

I usually don't like living in the basement but this basement is FIRE!!!! I LOVE IT

[@csengevass864]

Wow, what an interesting, unique design! I also loved that the narration was in Japanese in this video as I always prefer when owners/designers speak in their original language, it gives more character to the story and I'm ok to read subtitles.

[@ivydaphne7483]

The layout and the space is so unique and whimsical. The tour just made me happy. It's the kind of place I wanna try to live in.

[@Valkyrie_comics]

This is one of my favorite homes of this channel! So practical and beautiful. Every detail is perfect for me!

[@Wundernuss]

This is by far one of my favourite places I’ve seen so far that’s so logical , simple and practical for every function with a bit of fun!

[@TamaraJoy7]

I think this small home is absolutely genius!! What a fascinating design! Excellent use of vertical space with design ideas I’ve never seen before. I actually loved the bed in the center of the room and the fact that it was downstairs.

[@tedhuang5458]

Love this split-level house. It's small but feels spacious with lots of natural light from all the windows. A real kitchen, plenty of storage, laundry, shower, this house has everything to live comfortably. The architect did a wonderful job!

[@kartikpal1809]

I have seen many never too small house video, but House was an amazing like something unique is there I love its architecturing, its layout and its interior

[@crystalkirkman]

Brilliant use it putting the bedroom in the basement to be more of a cocoon and the main living area very light and spacious. Well done! 👏

[@GTR72]

Finally a small place in japan with some actual thought and design put behind it! This place is amazing, clean, minimal and maximizes the small space.

[@robertsmiff]

This is so cool. I love the idea of going 'downstairs' to sleep. Looks so cosy. What a stunning house!

[@ags1370]

I love it too, but I wonder what flooding is like in the area. In Japan there are a lot of torrential rains and even mud slides. I am sure the architect thought of that, but I would have liked to hear what they did to mitigate those concerns. Even in NYC that is a problem for basement apartments when it rains really hard. I wonder if there was a limit to how high this structure could be given the neighborhood. Amazing design though. I love the layered feeling and all the ways to "peek through" the house to different levels.

[@Erika-gm2tf]

Yes! Bedroom areas are so often upstairs where it's hot. Basement is better--cooler for better sleep and smarter use of resources.

[@panggahmuhammad7752]

Love the composition of the space.

[@pokelover109]

Treasure designer， made this small house spacious and satisfied all the necessary functions. Great job👍

[@Mkrabs]

I love this little house. Small yet spacious. Metal holding Wood. Unconventionally organized. I would love to live in such a house :)

[@makbunda4730]

As a woman, I'm so impressed with the idea design. The concept is brilliant to compact all the needed items within small area but still can be functionally huge stored and it looked tidy.

[@gigiatlas2364]

As a woman, sure, but as a broccoli?

[@anaghamalvade6433]

This Architect is nothing short of Genius, Bravo!! He could have added a folding Dining Table to give more space useability on the fist floor!!

[@shattermirror]

This place feels so cosy and livable in a really practical day-to-day way!

[@SCANNO21]

You have to be young.. but what intelligence of space, and what fun ! The best of all japanese episodes so far for me.

[@francescostrelow5590]

Absolutely love the triangular stair step! Very simple, very clever. House looks very light and pleasant. Video was going amazing up until they showed us the bedroom, what was that. Anyway, glad to see a spacious bathroom and vanity in such a small house, as we often get those so small and economic.

[@reiko334]

Interesting design! Tho personally I would change the western-style bed for a futon so the bedroom feels bigger and also I can set it aside and spend time there during winter because it kinda looks cozier than the main area.

[@pang-ngiavang1956]

Love the design of this home💜

[@JamesHK19]

Such a wonderfully harmonious home. A new favourite.

[@patrickexplorer2088]

Space efficiency and minimalist design ❤🎉

[@dorthy1666]

Gorgeous use of space. Window placement is extremely thoughtful. I love that recirculating fan.

[@Pinhegas]

this is one of the greatests house designs i've seen. pure genius

[@vinceburden4395]

The space is so interesting that the architect revolutionize the floor plan from typical 1-2 floors to 1,½,&1 ½ floors.

[@Smudgie33]

Well it’s certainly unique! I know space is at a premium over there and I think they have made the most of the space they have for sure.

[@tob855]

This is actually one of the smarter designs I've seen on NTS. Amazing use of space.

[@enooeeelelee_]

The amount of storage is amazing! Dividing the bedroom into 2 rooms is ridiculous, but other than that, love it.

[@jitkap.1610]

Very nice and clever project. I can imagine live in this house. Each detail is so perfect! Big inspiration!

[@bim76]

wow. strong use of space. i like the way u split DLK over bedroom.

[@gus473]

Lots of great details, especially the use of the same tiles inside and out! Excellent cladding choice too! 😎✌️

[@KimberlyCook-j3o]

I love this design. It makes so much use of all the space.😊

[@animekirby100]

In the United States, there is a kind of floor plan called a “split level”. Basically, there’s a foyer or entrance area, which splits into an upstairs and basement. It’s out of style these days because the ceiling height is usually a little low for today’s standards, but in the past it was a way to make small affordable houses with a little more room for preference. This kind of house reminds me of that.

[@LisaCobaltblue]

I remember visiting a friend in Mount Vernon Washington. They had the split level home as you suggested. Top floor was bedrooms and bathrooms, lower floor was kitchen and living room. They also had a basement they called a rumpus room I think. They said it was done like this because it was raining all the time. Needed a place to play and room to exercise. All this and a way for parents not to be disturbed by the noise.

[@anitamcgrath906]

You realize that this home is the same measurements as some peoples living rooms, you can think of it as a North American split level, but it’s smaller than what anyone in North America is used to living in, it could be compared to a New York apartment

[@Itsmemaiteg]

I really like this design. It’s very unique and there’s a lot of storage which I love. My only issue would probably be the danger of falling off the different levels. There’s nothing to stop this from happening. For example, you wouldn’t want someone with a young child come and visit you or they can really hurt themselves. Maybe adding some glass walls would fix this problem.

[@judit1783]

I love to see how small spaces are designed for different personalities and needs. Great space.

[@Westguy66]

Japanese are masters of micro minimalist spaces.

[@raishinshah]

Literally my dream house.

[@MLA0686]

Wow. So elegant. I also had no idea I could get lost weaving through all the rooms in such a small space. It felt fun.

[@0ozmichka0]

So much stuff and functionality in such a small footprint! Thoughtful design! I would change the front door curtain to something more private and the side to something with a backrest. But those details are easy to customise according to personal preferences.

[@arjash2228]

Great layout and use spaces, It looks cozy. That said Im concerned about the lack of guard rails in the entrance area and the exposed edges on the steel stairs :()

[@grigorisgirl]

Such a clever design and so calming. I like the hanging “sofa” which looks as if it could be used as a spare bed.

[@laurirobinson8346]

I am a GenX Caucasian Polish/Norwegian American. Every thing about Japan fascinates me.

[@MotherAotearoa]

Really loved it! Only one thing I'd place a fence on the entrance level, so not to fall down in the gap. But otherwise, really loved this design ❤👌

[@SF-ru3lp]

A fascinating design. So much achieved within the space. Every function is catered for in an ample and luxurious manner. I love the sleek, minimal style. Congrats to the architect. What a bright and exciting house to live in! P.S. To NTS Team: 1. I was delighted to call up the English 'subtitles' but was frustrated that key information was hidden by your thumbnail advert for several seconds. I started tapping all the wrong parts of the screen to try and get rid of the 'tag' (sorry!) in order to keep with the apartment description. Could that tag be shown in the top left hand corner of the screen? 2. The camera was showing the recessed underneath of the kitchen units BUT it was exactly at the same level on the screen as the subtitles! It's not the worst thing but it is frustrating for the viewer and interrupts one's concentration. (I am an eye-brain- language nerd!) I do love your video style tho. Thank you and best regards to all. G Ire

[@nevertoosmall]

Appreciate the feedback. We'll look to address these going forward. Thanks for the support ❤️

[@SF-ru3lp]

@@nevertoosmall Thank you for your message! Best regards! G Ire 🤗

[@tsai3009]

A very clever design! Love the ‘can’t be seen’ storage! Love this home!!

[@機械狸貓]

The vertical space design is awesome. I wish I could have a house like this.

[@VictorABalan]

What a brilliant design. The house feels so spacious and welcoming

[@emanuelebianchetti2803]

It seems a non-Euclidean design! Amazing!

[@kimberleyrigg7503]

Brilliant and unique design so impressed with the amount of storage. The decor is not to my taste but this is a great example of small living design.

[@manzar42]

what an excellent use of space!

[@mohammadtabby]

Wow very beautiful home ... Love your house ❤ 😊

[@michelestapleton]

This space is fascinating. And very calming.

[@Nrana9]

3:09 what a cute shot with him peering around the corner and quietly disappearing. Beautiful home as well, just not for me as I'd definitely bump my head on ceilings and corners, but very well designed and thought through!

[@stuartwebster2203]

I love the use of space, clever, well thought out and functional design. I’d live here happily.

[@johnjanvelsaldo9830]

What a clever design. Overall, the house is modern, functional and cozy.

[@leelandluver]

Wow, I like it! Very unique and interesting design. Definitely has a pleasant aesthetic and I especially love all the big windows to let in the sunlight.

[@oleksandrhr3949]

this house is a real gem. Love it

[@phil_matic]

I love this. As someone who doesn't mind crampedness, this is pretty awesome.

[@matthewchinmingwei6721]

Really enjoyed the style of this episode! The house design was really fun, and the music choice made it feel like exploring a Ghibli movie, even if the setting was more austere than what a Ghibli movie would be like.

[@headcorewar7453]

The house is very beautiful and livable

[@TheSushmaHomeSellingTeam]

This concept showcases the beauty of simplicity and functionality in a bustling metropolis like Tokyo. ❤❤

[@Back_To_Basics]

I love the colour palette and wish my home could look like this..❤

[@eggizgud]

Love the placement of the bathroom and toilet.

[@fastandcurious]

I love the structure of the house. I would only change some details, like a sofa that can be moved and changed, "sofa ceiling" at about 220cm rather than the 190 (?), wood floors to make it warmer for barefoot usage. The ladder is designed by people who don't use them and prefer look over function :-) . You can see that the tubular design of the steps is uncomfortable for the person climbing them. I wondered about the horizontal application of the corrugated steel outside. To me vertically corrugated seems more logical for rain drainage, but maybe this is not important at all? Like other commentators I wonder about terraces or mini roof gardens... But all of theses are details. The overall design is stunning and I would love to know the construction costs.

[@anjcuyegkeng]

The concealed AC unit was a nice touch

[@Sedgar232]

I love this house. I’d love to live there. It’s so light and airy

[@foxley95]

its landed and quite big compared to your usual tiny apartment, i'd take this house anytime

[@I_am_Lauren]

I love the multiple levels! The design is well thought out and the space seems much bigger!

[@whatwouldpicarddomakeitso9607]

Thank you for sharing. Truly a lovely and well thought out and spacious home . 🇬🇧💛🤍

[@mr.sushi2221]

some day in the future i hope i can contact one of the architects in these videos and have my own dream home created by them. fabulous house

[@camillaholst7321]

Brilliant! Thanks for sharing. - and when the owners move back to the countryside, I would love to rent this house ❤

[@GodhumaWellness]

this home surely could be rent as Airbnb in the future! so unique

[@theaprileighth]

this is very cleverly desgined small house. Very typical japanese but with x2 thought on the fuction, especially the ceiling height and space division. I can imagine myself living here.

[@debm4762]

I really love this channel so THANKYOU for your great content. Just wondering if it is a possibility to put subtitles for the non English episodes as I love to hear and understand the story behind the project 😊

[@nevertoosmall]

Thanks for the love! We do have subtitles available on all of our episodes that aren't in English - make sure you hit the CC (closed captions) button at the bottom of the video, next to the gear icon. ❤

[@radka9516]

Smart, cozy, and beautiful! Very well done!