Unroofed Revolution: Tokyo Artist’s Bold Play on Open-Air Living
Forget everything you thought you knew about residential architecture. Tucked away in Zempukuji, a vibrant Tokyo neighborhood renowned for attracting artists and manga creators, stands a home that doesn’t just push boundaries—it shatters them. Architect and artist Zajirogh, alongside his wife and three children, has crafted a 57-square-meter (approximately 613-square-foot) family residence where the star attraction is a living room, astonishingly, with no roof. Yes, you read that correctly: an open-air living space designed for life “under the blue sky”.
Zajirogh’s design philosophy stems from a childhood dream of living in a camper or on a ship, viewing a small house as akin to a boat—a compact space meticulously designed for comfortable living. This maritime inspiration is subtly woven into the very fabric of the home, even incorporating actual sailboat fastening devices. For a family that cherishes camping, this house perfectly embodies their desire for an intimate connection with the outdoors.
The Ultimate Indoor-Outdoor Statement: A Courtyard Living Room
The most striking, and arguably revolutionary, feature of this home is its daringly roofless living room. This wasn’t merely a whimsical design choice; it was an ingenious solution to navigate strict size regulations for new houses in the area. By omitting the roof, Zajirogh transformed what would traditionally be an enclosed living room into a sprawling, functional courtyard.
This open zone brilliantly serves a dual purpose: it acts as the home’s main entrance, immediately immersing you in a large, airy space that avoids the often-cramped entrances typical of Japanese homes. The concrete floor, durable and versatile, effortlessly handles both indoor and outdoor demands. A subtle line on the ground thoughtfully delineates the living room’s boundary, while a clever drainage system efficiently manages any rainfall.
When it comes to furnishing this unique space, practicality reigns supreme. Zajirogh opted for camping-style furniture, chosen for its ease of movement and ability to withstand getting wet. Items needing to stay dry are simply tucked away to the side. And despite the open top, comfort is paramount: radiant heated floors, using hot water, ensure the living room remains cozy in winter, feeling wonderful underfoot, while the air conditioning surprisingly keeps the cool air contained during summer. A large glass door provides essential protection for the TV and piano from the elements, and a discreet steel door conceals less visually appealing household necessities like vacuum cleaners and cleaning supplies, maintaining a sleek aesthetic.
Functional Flow: Kitchen, Dining, and Thoughtful Utilities
Beyond the expansive open-air living room, a large sliding glass door seamlessly connects to the indoor spaces, fostering a unified flow. The L-shaped kitchen, crowned with a sophisticated ceramic top, is clearly designed with a busy family of five in mind. It boasts a stainless steel sink, a gas cooktop, a stainless steel range hood, and even a fish grill—all essentials for family meals. Open shelving keeps frequently used items within easy reach, while vibrant yellow doors cleverly conceal less attractive kitchen paraphernalia. Demonstrating a commitment to maximizing every inch, the space under the stairs is smartly utilized for additional storage.
A substantial dining table anchors the center of the kitchen, providing ample space for the entire family. Three individually switched pendant lights illuminate meals, and in a clever space-saving move, the Bluetooth speaker (piping in audio from the living room TV) is suspended above the table.
The lower floor is home to the meticulously organized bathroom facilities. To accommodate five people, the vanity is thoughtfully separated from the main bathroom area, allowing for simultaneous use during busy mornings. The toilet is ingeniously tucked under the stairs, a testament to maximizing every available nook. A multi-purpose laundry room goes beyond mere washing, serving as a dedicated space for clothes storage and a changing area post-bath. The main bathroom is a quintessential Japanese “wet room,” featuring both a shower area and a bathtub. The bathtub strategically faces the courtyard, with a window looking out to the entrance, allowing sunlight to stream in directly from the open roof on sunny days, creating a serene, spa-like experience. A curtain ensures privacy when desired.
Vertical Ingenuity and Future-Proof Design
Ascending the staircase, more innovative solutions unfold. A second toilet is strategically placed at the top of the stairs—a practical necessity for a family of five, even in a compact home. Its custom door not only serves its primary function but also cleverly doubles as the door to the upper floor itself, a true architectural trick.
This upper level also houses a versatile small office and entertainment area. During the day, it’s the wife’s workspace, transforming into a vibrant hub for the children to watch TV and play games after school. For Zajirogh, a compact one-square-meter study is tucked into a corner, brimming with shelves and a desk—his “little sanctuary” for drawing and creative pursuits. In the evenings, this highly adaptable space transforms into the couple’s bedroom, with futons laid directly on the floor—a common Japanese practice that underscores the flexible, multi-functional nature of the rooms.
The children’s bedroom, located on the opposite side of the upper floor, is a masterclass in optimizing vertical space. The kids sleep in a loft above a large shared desk, with the bedroom bookshelf brilliantly serving as the stairs to their loft. Large windows flood both the study and bedrooms with abundant natural light. Extensive built-in storage, maximizing wall space and height, keeps the rooms tidy. Looking to the future, this children’s area is thoughtfully designed to be divided into three separate rooms, ensuring privacy as they grow. There’s even clever access to additional storage above Zajirogh’s study from their room.
Finally, a balcony gracefully wraps around the open roof, offering an inspiring outdoor extension. Zajirogh has a small desk here, providing a dedicated spot for painting without concern for mess. This is also where he operates the unique mechanism to open and close the roof, a truly unparalleled feature. The home’s location in a quiet residential neighborhood, with a large park, school, and shops within walking distance, solidifies its appeal as an ideal family abode.
A Blueprint for Bold Living
As his own client, Zajirogh embraced an unparalleled freedom to challenge conventional architectural norms, most notably by daring to omit the roof over the living room. This isn’t just a house; it’s a living design laboratory, a testament to how audacious imagination, coupled with intelligent design, can overcome urban living challenges and stringent regulations. It’s an inspiring example that offers invaluable insights for future clients and designers alike, proving that comfort, adaptability, and profound uniqueness can not only thrive but flourish within a small footprint. This “boat on land” truly sets a new standard for innovative urban living!