K2 House

Two galvanized volumes frame a courtyard in suburban Tokyo

Date

November 13, 2025

Taketo Shimohigoshi designed K2 House on an irregular plot in Tokyo. The residence divides into two volumes clad in galvanized metal panels. The volumes separate to create a private courtyard between them, widening at the center to bring natural light into the main living spaces while maintaining privacy from the street.

The courtyard contains a raised concrete platform that functions as an outdoor sitting area. Plants, including monsteras, ferns, and eucalyptus, fill a triangular section visible from the ground floor. Inside, the open plan includes a sunken lounge, dining and kitchen area, and a tatami room. A white metal spiral staircase connects to the upper level, which holds the bedroom, bathroom, and a second sitting area with views across the city.

The galvanized metal exterior creates an asymmetrical facade that contrasts with neighboring traditional homes. The material's reflective surface changes with light conditions throughout the day. The gap between volumes organizes the interior program while defining the outdoor space.

Shimohigoshi runs A.A.E., a Tokyo architecture office. The firm works on residential, commercial, and urban projects. K2 House demonstrates the practice's approach to constrained urban sites: using volume separation and material choice to create light and privacy within dense contexts.

Designer/Studio

A.A.E.

A.A.E. is a Tokyo architecture firm founded by Taketo Shimohigoshi in 1997. Residential, commercial, and public projects across Japan combining urban design and material precision.RetryClaude can make mistakes. Please double-check responses.

Photo Credits

Shigeo Ogawa