NEVER TOO SMALL: Narrow L-Shaped Tiny House, Central Tokyo 50sqm/538sqft

[@kcsivaranjani]

I'm happy that more homes that are actually being used by families are shown here instead of all those "minimalistic" airbnb places/vacation homes that look amazing but absolutely useless. This home exactly portrays how claustrophobic a fully functional home can look in a small space.

[@qasryna8160]

exactly how does this house showcase family? is it HIS large stoves and sink? or HIS workstation? or HIS gelato machine? or HIS reading nook? wheres the family bro 😂😂😂

[@eento06]

Fuck yeah, totally agree. This place made me clostrophobic and question myself about the perception of comfort ^^

[@siffleanimaux1]

Agreed. This is probably the only place featured on this channel that's invoked feelings of claustrophobia and anxiety.

[@kristeng8325]

@@qasryna8160 4 real, I didn't even see a baby bed or any toys!

[@Founderschannel123]

Airbnb houses still look just as good as that its just that japanese dont spend alot on airbnb im not saying airbnb is a suitable option for japanese

[@andtheneverythingchangedwh5234]

Lol I love that the gelato machine was given such a high priority.

[@345meatball]

I have that machine, it’s the perfect home ice cream machine. Such a large device in a small place though.

[@jessisoffline]

People never cease to amaze me with how habitable a space can become if you just consult what is existing, and build in harmony with it. What a lovely departure from the regular tiny spaces that are usually covered.

[@starsmoon0216]

Maybe it’s fine for a single person but too small for three people.

[@baaqu69]

it’s not habitable. it’s nightmare. you’re pathetic.

[@Archreux-Leudegrad]

I really enjoyed Patrick Bateman's narration of this living space.

[@bootsiemon]

yoooooooo 🤣🤣🤣

[@dholley51492]

Lets see Paul Allen's house

[@eddosimonetti2314]

@@dholley51492 Paul Allen is not available. He is at Dorsia.

[@Titank_Production]

@@dholley51492 😆

[@kendo512]

holy shit i was wondering what that reminded me of

[@tuppence937]

Nice that a garden and a rental unit has been incorporated into such a small site. Love the small reading/meditation loft. Certainly a creative use of space.

[@annie2687]

Super interesting layout--I know the point of hiring an architect is to customize your house to your lifestyle but having the "office" area blocking the entrance like that gives me some second-hand anxiety haha. Always love seeing how how people make spaces work specifically for them!

[@caniz80]

weird Architecture ................only in japan

[@xB-pp3nn]

same feelings too, but sounds like the owner only uses the "office" once a while as he says 'in case he needs to work-from-home'. and makes sense as well as you don't want the office/work space to intrude into the already limited amount of 'home' space 😆

[@Dimigt530]

@@caniz80I don’t know that it can be described as weird , it certainly is different.

[@miisrims]

Maybe he wants to separate the house from the office maybe there is a client that comes to the office that why he needs it private

[@kev16]

I think two monitors on arms no longer qualifies as just in case

[@AliasHSW]

The step design for allowing light to flow to the kitchen is a genius gesture. Not only because of that, but because it creates the sense of transition from going to/from the shower/stairs and loft space

[@tylorphillip]

This reminded me of why I became so excited and fascinated about small space living. This is such a creative approach to a space and so specific to the client that it ends up presenting fun and clever approaches to an unconventional space. As a parent it’s so cool to see it have a family aspect. Thanks for showing families on the channel.

[@B.K.E.N-EX]

Yeah........

[@conniebruckner8190]

I too am amazed at the genial way the architect managed to meet his client's needs and wishes in such a small space. I am glad you opted for the storage steps; so much easier for everyone, including your child. Enviable garden space in the middle of the city.

[@pitot1988]

Only can be done by Japanese mentality

[@okmimie]

Beautiful that a garden is still incorporated ✨

[@yvetterobertson2770]

It would be very interesting to revisit this family and their home to see what they change over time and what has worked for them.

[@MeesNukk]

I guarantee they have probably already moved too a normal apartment by now. The secondary property market in Tokyo is filled with these unlivable design properties.

[@satiatedfilth]

This video more than any other has made me realize the uniqueness of Japanese designs. I've watched tons of interesting Japanese house and apartment tours, as well as various house, tiny house, camper van, and apartment tours all over the world, but the sense of purpose and intention that the design of this apartment conveyed was really on a next level for me. Even as someone who has lived in a tiny room in Tokyo, I was surprised and fascinated by the choices made in this home and I really love it!

[@AM09286]

Thanks for continuing to show ‘real’ homes with people living in them.

[@keshanidesilva1728]

As and architect, I believe that the designer had really done justice to this client's brief with the freakishly small foot print. Many of the japanese space crafting looks claustrophobic for me as a south asian living in tropical bliss, who lavishes with the square footage of spaces. But it works for the japanese, and as he said not ordinary ones 🤓. It might definitely not be a forever home for this young family, but serves the purpose for another decade at least, I would say. Cultural & economical contexts make this project unique, so don't hate it people 🤗🌼

[@kookiemonster2212]

I think it can become a forever home - when the son grows up and needs more space / they have more kids they can utilise the first floor to extend the house

[@tubulartuber]

it's good they're making use of the space. I don't know how I feel about this channel glorifying housing that clearly isn't designed for the elderly or people with disabilities, though. If the clients are wealthy enough to hire architects, they're wealthy enough to take that into consideration

[@tylorphillip]

On the contrary… though it would never work for me personally, rather than hate on it, I think this is a wonderful idea and solution for the client. Such a pleasure to see.

[@user-bf9dk4xb1j]

@@tubulartuber this is just my 6th video from this channel, but is there a problem with a house not being friendly to people with disabilities/elderly, when the owners are not either of those anyway? I guess people will grow old fast and want a house that lasts forever but so far I've only seen people looking between late 20s and early 40s, I think they still have at least a decade to prepare for that.

[@ixlnxs]

@@tubulartuber From what I've seen on this channel, every place was made to measure its owners: party people, quiet book readers, singles, young families, people who invite friends for dinner and people who don't want to be found. Disabilities also require a bespoke house, but there are other channels specialising in those.

[@normag6949]

I saw this property featured in a Japanese tv show. They showed the lower floor room too. There is a dancing teacher renting the space right now but they built the house with an extra room that will become their kids room in the future. With the rent they charge, they cover the mortgage payment. Petty smart if you ask me.

[@eadelaide7876]

Is this on KZbin? Wouldn’t mind seeing the lower floor

[@sadonionsneeze4248]

Do they have an extra shower on first floor or will the kid need to shower in their parents' bedroom?

[@laetifico]

@@sadonionsneeze4248 quite sure the floor plan is shown in this video and it has a bathroom

[@Calihan]

The rent they charge for that 20 sqft covers the entire mortgage payment? Damn

[@paulpujeter6340]

sounds legal and all but also quite exploitative

[@greatnorthernexotic]

These are the best types of small homes - ones designed specifically to fit the lifestyle of the owner. We won't like every detail, but that's the point. More of these, please!

[@mariajappinen3931]

I do not know what to think of this place than that it is nice that it works for the family, and that I love that rooftop garden and the bath!

[@Moontess]

A garden, workspace, full kitchen (with gelato machine!), reading nook, a bathtub, and even an extra floor that can be used as a rental space... This tiny house really has it all, and I love how cosy it feels. I would totally choose to live in a smaller space if I get to live in Nakameguro (one of my favourite neighbourhoods in Tokyo).

[@ETamJP]

I agree. I used to live in Shimo-Meguro near the Meguro River as well, and springtime there was great with the cherry trees all in bloom. Great area with nice restaurants and other conveniences.

[@pgeorgiou2012]

Top floor: stunning & clean. Main floor: cluttered chaos! I love what they did with the space, though some cabinets with doors and smaller appliances (looking at that vent hood!) would do well for that kitchen.

[@ilovebobsdonuts]

This is such a beautiful family home! They've laid it out perfectly. I'm happy to see that they haven't gutted any part of the exterior to make this layout work better. What a timeless example of our neighborhoods growing more urban. Thank you for sharing. The family looks lovely.

[@todaytoo_]

architects are insane but when clients just /know/ what they want it and how they want it, the result is truly amazing. especially when we are able to see how they actually use the spaces that have been built - some episodes are always empty or filmed before the client lives in, and some questions we may have about how it'll work we will, well, never know.

[@n-on]

This is such a cool concept!! Very claustrophobic for me but i like how they adapted to that odd shaped house

[@SN-sz7kw]

When I lived in Tokyo, I had one 6 tatami room + unibath. One burner kitchenette in the entrance “hall.” This place would have been a dream. Love the sleeping/bathing loft & garden space. Paradise in a crowded city.

[@スカイハイ-q9e]

You were lucky to an unit bath. I didn't have that luxury in Tokyo, mid 90th.

[@cee_el]

@@スカイハイ-q9eunit bath is the worst. So you mean you didn’t even have a shower room?

[@nym5qu17]

You could easily convert the first floor into a guest house or subdivide it into some bedrooms if they choose to have more kids. This is a very whimsical and wonderful house! having a big private garden in a dense city is super cool!! :D

[@tommyls4357]

The reading / meditation nook with the little skylight looks so peaceful.

[@TeeBoyd88]

That garden is a whole other world once you come out from a tiny but handsomely crafted home.

[@aleenaprasannan2146]

7:14 I think is can be taken as important rule for any tiny living space. Start to live and actually use the space before it's completely 'finished', so you can have space to mold your lifestyle and the space together efficiently

[@l_ifeefi_l1998]

I doubt they r truly happy clamp up in that tiny cage. They all look subdued and suppressed. Like the house gonna crumble if they evoke too much color and energy lol

[@0biwan]

wow i'm obsessed! it has just the right amount of nooks and crannies. and the garden is so simple but adds so much life!

[@Dimigt530]

Such a beautiful , bright , airy space . I just loved the wood and the windows . Outdoor space was peaceful and soon will be lush and cool !!

[@jessiejessie661]

i knew the video will get better and better when i heard "gelato machine" 😂 this is easily one of the most memorable NTS homes ever featured, so much character in such a small space ♥

[@jirie5246]

Nice to have a bath outside, and good idea to rent out the 1st floor. I want to see more Tokyo series thanks.

[@haebee]

the attention to detail is superb. i love the pro kitchen in the small space. also, having a garden and onsen in tokyo is pure luxury.

[@Eztasmile_x]

I have not watched a lot of these so I don't know if it is a cultural thing I am unaware of but I noticed the lack of 'comfort' in this home. The bench for the whole family to sit on rather than a softer sofa or beanbag? Apart from that though, what a fascinating, well thought out, unique space. I love it and it works perfectly for this family x

[@AlaskanTiger23]

I've watched a bunch of NTS and other small/tiny homes. It's pretty typical that there's a 'couch' that is really just a bench with a thin pad. I'm assuming none of the people who live in these small spaces are in them for long. Every now and then there's something that looks like it would be comfortable to sit on for more than an hour, but it's pretty rare. At least there was that one sofa thing across from the bench that looked like it would be comfortable to lay or sit on.

[@xraystyle00]

I'm guessing for this family it's due to the floor sitting/sleeping culture prevalent in Japan and other Asian countries. They're just used to sitting/hanging out/sleeping on solid surfaces

[@catscan5720]

They quite literally sleep on a relatively thin mattress on the floor. I think it's an Asian thing to almost prefer harder surfaces. It is prevalent in India as well. People are perfectly fine getting comfortable on hard surfaces. I myself have a terribly tiny room and have started sleeping on the floor on a quilt. it's actually great XD

[@MeesNukk]

It was a trend in Japan when this house was build. Living in purposefully minimalist and uncomfortable houses, that is.

[@PaperCranesAndHaiku]

I love how well thought out this space is. My favorite is the garden, outdoor wooden bath, skylight loft and bedroom area. When they explained the glass doors and the step gap with glass to let the lights in, I was really amazed. I live in Tokyo and small, limited space helped me become more mindful and intentional with what I buy and let in my very tiny space. If I live in a large space, I’m afraid the impulsive consumerist me will just fill it up😅 It was a nice surprise that a 50kg gelato machine lives in this space 😄

[@lavenheit]

This is lovely to watch, esp that they're young parents. They bring new breath, new life, new generation to Japan, hopefully this house will be a very good place to start their family life. ❤

[@Galaxie7230]

I love how they maximized every inch of the place and that rooftop garden, wow! 🤌

[@hawk2million]

There's something really beautiful about minimalist Japanese architecture. I loved the top floor. Middle floor seemed a bit muddled in my opinion but I suppose they have to squeeze their belonging in there somehow. What a great use of space!

[@kierand9410]

The 1st floor is a triumph. Beautifully conceived with all the right materials and shapes.

[@laverite1050]

Rare to see such an extremely creative design. Wonderful video.

[@ijosemi]

The monitors area make me feel kinda cyberpunk claustrophobic haha

[@votemonty1815]

One of the coolest designs on this channel.

[@Andriea6117]

What really amazes me is that while you're all content in your wonderful home that fills in all the things required and shows how a house so small is actually just enough for us rather than the wants of life as we make more money.. the simplicity of your life is great.. but yet I m amazed by your living room family pic where you have given more than enough and equal space for your dog who seemed enjoying his couch moment.

[@SteveJubs]

Turns out it can indeed be too small

[@wixxijespihsbrawlstars]

Thats what she sai… ok imma not finish this

[@jsd4544]

Is the only vent in the toilet that little window? And it’s right in the center of the space, and adjacent to your clothes. Dude.

[@rkkr6757]

@@wixxijespihsbrawlstarsyou almost finished it. Only the D is missing 😏

[@wixxijespihsbrawlstars]

@@rkkr6757 ohh I just noticed that 😏

[@nathanielalvin5199]

Title of your sex tape

[@angeyoung6410]

This is what I call a small apartment well arranged.... and judicious these different levels...congratulations to the architect!

[@davorz]

I see this house perfect for a single person, but for a couple and a child? OMG! Nevertheless, nice layout. One of my cons is that the sleeping platform seems too narrow for two people to sleep together imo.

[@jamierose1286]

yes i was wondering where the woman sleeps. i thought he was single at first.

[@qasryna8160]

@@jamierose1286 the mother n the child sleeps downstairs. i rent the studio downstairs

[@Kuchenwurst]

@@qasryna8160 It's you who lives there? Cool! Is the layout of your apartment similar to the upper one?

[@JacobLaurenzana]

​@@Kuchenwurst ​ Looking at the other extremely negative comments about this home that @qasryna has commented on this video, I assume they're just looking for attention and definitely do not live in this house.

[@l_ifeefi_l1998]

I wonder, seeing how they spent alot on building such unique layout, is thr second hand value? Not many can afford to buy and those who could may not wan this. Japanese r bending backwards to gaslight themselves into wat liveable spaces mean

[@KingdomSarah]

This space is gorgeous. What a creative use of light and beautiful wood. A full sized kitchen, garden and bath too.

[@Fjord_]

the roof-top garden and the dog wandering through grass!

[@_illhooniie3995]

The garden is so nice! The dog can definitely enjoy playing in that little cute space.

[@jrambo7495]

3:28 that design looks rickety as nothing really "locks" into place. Any little bump against it would move that table area around and anything on top of it too.

[@stevenyee850]

It's defying gravity and I'm trying to imagine how it works

[@laetifico]

@@stevenyee850 there is a slight notch build in I think. At least the moveable part has an extra piece underneath that must slot into somewhere

[@johnlewgolenia449]

A sensible, comportable and adaptable house that fits a family needs. Japanese Archirecture is truly amazing.

[@sbrendula]

What I most loved of this flat is the contrast between the chaos of working/active routine (yang?) whin the absolute calm of the sleeping space and the garden (maybe the yin?).

[@-Vitalis-]

Sometimes when you change the space inside your home, you end up changing as well. But it's also true that if you change as a person... the space will change accordingly. Amazing.

[@MakeMeThinkAgain]

I love the flexible counter covering the washing machine. In many situations something like that could be used as a place to fold laundry . In a bathroom I suppose you could have storage above instead of the counter.

[@oklahomaisok]

The kitchen in such a small place is impressive. I’ve seen larger tiny homes with only a cooktop and no oven. Seems like everything a small family needs for living is included in the design. There are plenty of shelves and storage.

[@meredithcurtisgoode3850]

Wow! this space is fascinating. I guess they can expand into the rental space if needed when the child gets older.

[@LenhDo]

I love the vibe of the bedroom. Cozy and relaxing

[@vejrubia]

This might be my most favourite house yet. I aspire to have a simple but complex space like this.

[@luizamourarabelocosta2290]

I agree, I am specially amazed by the capacity of japanese architects. So much to learn about the use of the space, about giving credit to weird lots and making possible homes for ordinary people.

[@Mikael-jt1hk]

simple and complex is an oxymoron lol. Thats like saying you want an ugly wife who is beautiful.

[@anniecrawford5911]

Stunning design. Love the creativity in design which allowed for such unique practical and whimsical spaces. Very beautiful and extremely functional. Thank you for sharing. Hello from Minnesota, USA. 💐

[@Ih8nine]

Japan is a beautiful place and the people are resilient. A home is a home, and as long as the residents are happy and don't mind a smaller space all is good. I personally wouldn't mind living here. However it is funny how the family dog is inspecting the areas in the home to run around and entertain itself with.

[@maryross7633]

4:20 “I was quite content with the rope ladder.” I’m sorry but WHAT?? Could you imagine a pregnant person or infant trying to use a rope ladder?? Thank god for the architects for talking him out of that idea 😂

[@bulbasaur1232]

Pregnant woman* lol

[@lorrainenicoletti6232]

And the Architect was like “what?” he’s an Artist, nope . Better idea in the making.

[@sd7785]

​​@@bulbasaur1232 Women are people. So pregnant person makes perfect sense

[@journaldetude7076]

@@sd7785 yes we are people but we are women and this word won't be demonized.

[@sd7785]

@@journaldetude7076 (edited because I misread) The word 'woman' isn't demonised. People (yes, including women) use it all the time.

[@kalkitekyur]

Japanese planning and design is just beautiful!!!

[@Djjamies]

This is a beautiful and airy space, despite the spatial constraints! The one thing I noticed is - there’s only one bedroom… perhaps the baby sleeps near or with the parents, or they sleep in the living room area with the crib(?) tucked away in the daytime? It would have been interesting to understand what considerations were in play for the child and the plan for them as they grow older, if it’s not a short-term housing solution.

[@kallasusort2986]

Fabulous design for the space. It seems to work well for this family and dog. Enjoy your home.

[@cuzz467]

Can't say I'm impressed with this one. At least it works for them

[@lukealsmith]

I was about to say the same thing, the feel of it seems so closed in

[@MilkCoffee-zd3fi]

The challenge makes people more creative!!!

[@debbiemohiosen147]

Not sure why this is so likable ,perhaps it's the quality and that it is well made.

[@rejn1420]

I’ve looked at so many of the smaller spaces and This is one of the nicest ones I’ve ever seen.

[@borami22]

The gelato machine had me rolling……….

[@alinad2928]

Really clever use of space and light. I love how no matter how small there’s always a tub in Japanese homes 🛀

[@clairecakes9860]

This house is quite interesting to me seeing as it seems like the man was the sole designer of the house with only his interests in mind. Not to say that he doesn’t care about his family but no one else seems to have added anything besides him.

[@Zerviscos]

Amazing layout and design, kudos to the architect and civil engineer who managed to build this.

[@GrowthGuided]

This man describing his home reminds me of Patrick in American psycho describing his facial moisturizing routine.

[@anthonyz7023]

Excellent narration 🎉

[@quirkynation]

This design is outstanding. To even add a bathtub and garden terrace, wow!

[@mayonaissse]

Meguro is one of my favourite neighbourhoods in Tokyo. To be able to live in such a well-designed, functional space in such a lovely neighbourhood is like a dream come true.

[@martynsylvester5102]

Incredible creativity here, the aesthetic in the living space could be more homely but the utilisation of space is nothing short of miraculous 👏

[@Horus69ss]

Despite all that bright colours and glass it feels very claustrophobic. Almost like being attacked by a kitchen and whatever is on the walls.

[@jaanavalve2112]

Wow, what a living place and even garden ❤ love this 😍 wishes from Finland 🇫🇮

[@mølekule-l3d]

i love seeing these tokyo homes... show me more!

[@Nath_CM]

The exterior of the house is very nice, and it contrasts a lot with the interior

[@JAHistheONE]

I would’ve painted the walls white to give a more open space. The grey walls emphasizes living inside of a box.

[@JanineAnita]

they could also use some colourful art work to make it look a little less prison like

[@shiralleehaggart72]

Agree. Grey is such a depressing colour as well.

[@luizamourarabelocosta2290]

I am specially amazed by the capacity of japanese architects. I wish we could see more houses like this one. So much to learn about the use of the space, about giving credit to weird lots and making possible homes for ordinary people.

[@lilly4116]

love 3rd story simple and bright , but living wood seat in living area looks uncomfortable and entrance open shelves concept make it a little messy like inter a storage room. Hidden shelves and mirror instead of working area, will make it perfect.

[@PaintedMessiah]

Beautiful house, I can't believe how much they managed to fit into a small space. Even a garden!

[@grayonthewater]

Lol love the architect’s cheeky comment about the guy not being a typical Japanese guy who would want more privacy bathing outside 😂

[@hotshot619]

I have the same gelato machine and was amazed it made the cut in such a tiny place. CLEARLY gelato is a top priority for them and I can't disagree!

[@carlakkk]

Great use of the space, but just for one person, including the bed space. I was asking myself how disconfort must be watching a video in that bench park. Also, I have other questions: where they three seat in their meals? Where is all baby stuff like the baby tub? Where the baby sleeps? Where are are the space made for the wife since all presented was made only for the habits of the man owner?

[@sadiefinch9486]

thank you

[@alcapone868]

Great architect and a well spoken David love the space.

[@jemma50]

So....all three of them sleep in what looks like a twin size bed?? Interesting. I find it hard to believe this is 538 sq. ft. I've seen tiny homes on wheels with less square footage that looked bigger and more functional than this home. However...to each his own. 😊

[@emily_nelson]

The 538 ft² includes the ground floor, which they didn't show. He said the part that they live in is less than 2/3 of that.

[@paprika7920]

Omg i LOVE it!!!😍😍😍 the concrete, the minimalism, the light!

[@tinekejoldersma]

If someone makes the kitchen the top priority in a small house 😂 I love the wood, and the garden, do they stack the child in the cupboard? Couldn't find the child's place. Expensive big cities give innovative house designs.

[@VegetableFRIES]

This has got to be one of the best ones yet.

[@jennienightingale727]

so where do the wife and baby live? i thought this was a family home but the guy only has his gelato machine and restaurant sink taking up space

[@penitent2401]

Don't forget the dog

[@Luca_86]

in a hole in the ground there lived...

[@rizqihandsome9754]

Parent's house I guess

[@1985yf]

Similar thoughts. Saw the sleeping space and thought ain't no way he, his wife and his kid can all fit there

[@jrambo7495]

Kid goes inside the microwave! Duh!🤡

[@tUiDo4]

It gives me ‘Mirai’ vibes and I love it❤ It’s not everyone cup of it, n idk if I’d be able to live in such a condensed space, but it is architectural magic😊 I’m not sure how idealistic his home will be when he n his wife gets older, or if they have another kid? BUT, at-least it’s working for them at the moment. The architecture really does deserve an applaud👏🏻

[@miked4973]

What kind of a serial killer watches tv on a wooden bench while their dog has a comfy couch in front of them

[@amateuranalyst9863]

That house would break my toes... I would trip everywhere

[@posyb71]

I get the space struggle in Tokyo but there is too much going on it made me anxious. And it looks messy and cramped.

[@marylbullock]

So practical, yet seems organic. Love the garden.

[@WHK1-e4i]

The garden with the doggy wandering around… Pure genius

[@zakur0hako]

Really like how it's filmed. Looks warm and nice

[@teamO_X]

✅Eco Friendly Wood Veneers ❌Galvanized Square Steel