NEVER TOO SMALL: Iconic Tokyo Architect’s Tiny House - 19sqm/194sqft
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Set on a 31sqm plot of land in the central Bunkyo district of Tokyo, the uniquely shaped Love2 House belongs to Architect Takeshi Hosaka and his wife Megumi. Surrounded by 10 storey neighbouring buildings, the design of the uniquely shaped single-storey tiny house responded directly to the need for both privacy and light, which Hosaka addressed with a high ceiling and a dynamic skylight. The compact home has been meticulously designed to ensure sufficient space and amenities for the habits and hobbies Hosaka and his wife enjoy most. Featuring a dedicated alcove for records, an exterior bath concealed from neighbours, and a detailed modular kitchen. The living space opens directly onto the footpath, featuring an extensive garden as part of the home, and extension of a bespoke dining area. Love2 House is an oasis amidst the bustle of Tokyo, without sacrificing the amenity of city life.
#architecture #interiordesign #tinyhouse
Project Name: Love2 House
Designer: www.hosakatakeshi.com/
Produced by New Mac Video Agency
Creator: Colin Chee
Director/Camera Operator: Nam Tran
Producer: Lindsay Barnard
Editor: Nam Tran & Colin Chee
Music: My Night With You by Wesley Thomas
Artlist.io
If you’re an architect or designer with a project we could feature, please share it with us at www.nevertoosmall.com/submissions Architect: www.hosakatakeshi.com/ Thumbnail Photography: www.nacasa.co.jp/index.html Check out our book - www.nts.store Join our community- www.patreon.com/nevertoosmall Workspace by Never Too Small - www.nts.space Website - www.nevertoosmall.com Instagram- instagram.com/nvtsmall Facebook - facebook.com/nvtsmall
its Sunday already
I love how this isn’t in English. More like this please! I get uncomfortable seeing architects struggle through English when they could express themselves so much better in their own languages.
agreed
@@xn9333 you're probably right, but I think they feel a pressure to speak English to appeal to a mostly english-speaking audience, which can be relieved by companies explicitly asking if the architect would prefer to speak in their first language. If that conversation has already been had and they still want to speak English, then that's their decision. No way to know if Never Too Small already ask these questions anyway. All just speculation
Native English speakers, who often don’t speak a second language and don’t know the struggle, should be more understanding with all the rest of the world.
I dint on the eng subs for this video. Just to listen to the calming voiceover for inspiration
Totally agreed ! And it would make sense because this channel is also about creativity, diversity in architecture and discovering other cultures ! So yes, more video with native languages
finally a home that doesn't feel like a model house, and actually looks and feels lived in. it's been awhile. as someone who loves high ceiling, i love this house. the sunlight coming in from the roof looks very pretty. ps: i hope you can feature more of japanese house/architecture. i love their style and aesthetic so much
A mobile home does not have to look like a Mobil home.
Agree… personally i really enjoy watching designs like this house has which is tiny but comfortable enough for the habitants to live inside (when every designs have their small details and considerations)
Everything in that house looks horrible
@@bambinaforever1402 100%
@@bambinaforever1402 Even the crucifixes?!?
They could’ve totally built a loft/second story but chose having sunlight and a tall ceiling instead. Respect
With that tiny area? Thats gonna be a steep climb and dangerous for both of them, theyre not getting any younger.
And if this house is for they to get old, having one Floor is better in many ways
@@pabloShuffle My thoughts exactly re: accessibility :)
They chose having sunlight and a tall ceiling but if you check at 6:02 they have done so at the expense of their neighbour so I don't think it's so cool. Here is a massive roof right in front of your window.
@@MikaRomeo most apartments there have buildings right next to them (only a foot gap) so they actually have more light than average probably
While it is definitely more visually busy than most of the spaces on this channel, it's nice to see someone living small without the usual minimalist aesthetic. You can tell that they love what they own and have arranged the space to enjoy those possessions.
This house has so much personality, sentimentality and lived in functionality/coziness that lacks in many of these coldly designed minimalist builds. I enjoy the reuse of items and quirky features like a shower that acts as a doorway. Brilliant!
Its also minimal with clean concrete walls
O my god, u musta be homeless
I love how cozy and lived in this feels. They have stuff! You can see stuff everywhere! I feel like that's missing from a lot of the apartments you film, they almost never seem to have any of life's little necessities lying about. This architect prominently displays his tub of oxy-clean under the sink. I love it.
Or maybe the owners make sure they hide away all their "stuff" before camera crew arrives. I know I would, lol.
absolutely agree with you
well, if a camera crew is coming people want to make a good impression. here however there isn't that much space to hide things. I do understand what you mean however.
thatz what I thought too. actually the style of the bed being in a closed space like that makes me consider whether I shld follow this style for my upcoming 48sqft apartment. cos this looks cosy
yes, I had the same thought. Its not posed in a fake way. This shows that people can actually live and function normally here.
It’s certainly impressive. I don’t know if I have the patience or strength to live that closely with another human being - but they seem to be making it work for them! The vast ceiling height must help with cooking smells, condensation and ventilation. And the outdoor bath is a concession to luxury which they must enjoy. A very interesting house!
You said it all. I am not from a background that can live that closely but I really like this video, so many impressive things from the marvelous ceiling to concrete, lamps and sewing machine table!!! What I absolutely love about this video too is that you can see they live there and its not like others where the rooms are barren and you arent sure how occupants would make the space work.
I love seeing what architects build for themselves and how specific they can get to their needs/wants (like measuring out the exact size of the alcove by the bed??). Absolutely loved watching this!
and the pockets for the pens!
and the niche for the album in rotation!
Interesting that they still live in their tiny house. I saw a video on them years ago and this new arrival shows that they have adapted nicely to the unique space.
So nice to hear the architect speak their language of choice. I hope this trends continues in NTS as it feels really natural.
I’ve seen this tiny home on a different KZhead channel before but never noticed it was in the neighborhood I grew up in! It’s literally about a block away from my parents’ condo (it’s actually in this video) and I’ve probably walked by this house many times. I really love what they did with their house, I wish it was mine!
This is by far one of my favorite episodes. Despite being less than 200 sq ft, it's well thought out, cozy, and full of warmth. And well-lived in, unlike many that are super spartan. The pen caddy is adorable, the outdoor tub seems like bliss, and the airplane cart is genius!
I've never seen a house that fills me with this much joy. It's like it's a house that is so full of loved objects, like records and books, and glasses. Absolutely perfect.
I am an architect and I don't know why but my eyes teared up from calmness and peace. A very special home.
it's fascinating how warm and comfy they've managed to make this look considering the walls are just concrete slabs, i can't put my finger on how they've done it exactly but i don't think i've ever seen anything else like it. i am obsessed with that table with the vintage sewing machine base, that's the kind of super obviously "upcycled" furniture i wish i had more of
agreed also the sentimental value ✨
I love this house, especially the sunroof. Summer in Japan can be quite hot and humid so I would imagine that this would be quite cool in summer compared to other places.
I remember watching this 2 or 4 years ago? So happy seeing it again! I am still in love at how the space was managed 😍
Same here. It truly is iconic and I'm glad I could see more details of the house this time around.
@@adrnjgr same as well! from time to time, i think about this home very often. the coziness of it, the light, the comfort of sharing a space like this with someone.
Favourite tiny house this year, easily. So sweet and humble.
These are always so 'feel good' to watch
This is the first one of these I remember that seems lived in, rather than styled for a photoshoot. I love it!
I love that this wasn't edited with an english translator speaking over them like some channels do. I appreciate listening to native languages being spoken even if I have to read subtitles to understand what they're saying
This house has been documented a lot in other videos, but this is a much more human and sensible take about the house itself and how these people experience it. It's lovely. It's also refreshing to hear this man talk.
Agree. The first time I saw it was on a KZhead channel with a gentleman who is very tall (from his accent he sounded Canadian) and while he appreciated the house, it came off very uncomfortable. This channel showcased it in a different light.
Love the rawness of the exposed concrete in combination with wood and metal. Love the efficiency. I still say, that to live so tightly with another person that way, you really need to be profoundly aligned. Given all this - elegant, intelligent, very Japanese in it's quiet. Bravo, and continued serenity to the pair!
it's so nice to hear the architects speak in their own language. the place seems bigger than it actually is! with all that can be fit into it, i almost forgot it was only 19sqm
What an efficient, functional and yet homey space. The walls make it look like they are truly living in the crevasses of the greater cityscape, like garden mice living in a cozy hole in the wall. The high ceiling, and stone gray projections make it look like a brutal alleyway, but then when you add in all the clever fixtures, furnishings and the greenery (like grass between sidewalk slabs) it all fits together in a very natural way. I think if I had the luxury of designing from scratch I might add a few more square meters just to have some space to move around (and make) the bed, and enough space to stretch in one or two of the other spaces (the toilet and the space directly outside of it for example). 👍👍
I’m not sure about efficiency but still cool.
This Apartment is the definition of Eccentric! I am not sure I like it, but it's unique definitely. I liked the Sunlight Dome part and the Glass Rinser.
First time I've ever seen a dedicated drinking glass rinser! Also loved the sewing machine legs for the table. That and some of the other custom items helped balance the coldness of the concrete for me. Very interesting house!
I'm a big guy (I am aware of the irony of a large guy who likes tiny homes), my personal rule is I have to be able to walk to any part of my house without having to shuffle sideways or duck my head. If I have to do that, the space is too small for me.
Finally! LOVELY. I live in a 29 sqm apartment which includes a terrace, a tiny kitchenette, a bathroom and one room. And all the apartments that were featured here seemed all to be over 30 sqm. So I love to see one of this size. Congrats and thank you!
I'm in love. This is so masterfully created and curated. Concrete walls, the stainless steel kitchen, the airplane cart, the ceiling height and formation, my god, everything is just beautiful.
That ANA in-flight drink trolley. Creativity everywhere!
This house has not been designed to amaze us, but to be liveable and comfortable for the owners. Its beauty is in the many small details which make the house truly homey and easy to live. I wish this place could arrange just more greenery.
it can tho, you can easily hang tons of plants from the concrete things, they just dont seem to do plants a lot
This is really cool, but I feel there was an opportunity missed to allow for more multifunctional spaces with all the fixed furniture. Feel like the height of their walls could have been used a bit more creatively storage wise.
Could be a functional decision. Japan/Tokyo has quite often (heavy) earthquakes. They coule dislike having to always unfold stuff to use it
So happy to see this tiny home finally featured in your channel. It’s so simple and yet looks spacious. It really looks like a home filled with so much love. 😍 Saving this for future home references.
For me it’s all about the custom pen holder. Priorities! Love this tiny house.
I love the simple, urban Japanese aesthetic of this house, and how some details recall traditional Japanese houses. I also really enjoyed listening to the owner expressing his genuine love for his creation ✨
There are some wonderful appliances in Japan. I love the glass cleaner. The small concrete space brings back memories of the Jerusalem bomb shelter I slept in for a year. Say what you will, it felt very safe and secure. Blessings to this couple and their peaceful home.
i have been watching this house on youtube for the longest time and the tiny additions they add throughout the years are somehow cute and endearing
👍🏼That kitchen: glass rinser and fish grill! Splendid! And outdoor tubs and showers truly are the most refreshing! 😎✌🏼
I think the bed area would feel too cramped for me. I don’t mind any small space as long as I can comfortably walk from space to space without having to squeeze, crouch or crawl all the time. As a young person I might actually be finde with jumping, climbing and crawling, but only on energised days, so I would want at least the option of easy access on days that I’m tired or unwell
I love how the elements of the house contains personal things and made the whole space feel so personal and tailored to their needs. best clip from NTS 💙
I think you should add a second storey as there is ample amount of vertical space
I love when the homes are also owned and lived in by the architect. You can really get a full sense of their personality. Also idk why but I’m in love with the idea of that airplane cabinet hahah
omg this is like TINY tiny. So impressive they still fit so much personality and so many things inside. Also what a ceiling that's incredible
I loved to listen to the architect in their native language, even if I don't understand, please include more like this
Agreed! Although we can hear the accent while the architects are speaking in English, speaking in English should not prevent people from presenting their projects. This video was a relief as now I know that even if someone does not speak/does not want to speak in English it won't be a problem. In fact I would even prefer to listen to the architects in their native language.
The outdoor bath looks relaxing yet private. Love the touch of greenery in the small garden area on the street front. The elevated, elongated roof design is an interesting feature in this compact space.
That ceiling literally made me gasp - so lovely.
For sure he not only have a good taste as a an architect and designer but also as a music lover 👍
Love that they made this concrete home into a home with quirky items etc. Probably the only concrete home I have liked so far. Tired of them feeling so cold and meh. Fantastic video thanks.
I never get tired of seeing this house. It's perfectly suited for them -- every square inch was well-thought out. Beautiful.
One of my favorite tiny house designs of all time. So cozy!
This is truly a tiny home by any standard. i love the connection to the outdoor garden and public walkway
I remember watching a video of this beautiful home a few years back and being awestruck by the thoughtful usage of each tiny space . So happy to see them now, again 💗
I love seeing houses actually full of stuff. This looks very comfortably livable and I LOVE that they still have a tub
I like that it still has that lived-in, homely, cluttered feel.
Thanks for featuring this home! I've seen a video about it and them before, but am so glad to see it shared here, too. Such a unique and beautiful space. That outdoor bath, little side garden, and tall ceilings make it seem so much more pleasant to live there.
So far, this is the best project I've seen in this channel. I love the way they manage the space, the roof and skylight, and not forget the architects speech is very nice. ❤️
The vibes of this place with the soothing voice of the owner, and the music just lowered my heart rate and blood pressure :D It was a delight to watch! Thanks, Never Too Small!
Omg! Tokyo Lens did a tour of this place too! I’m happy it’s getting seen here cause it’s incredible!!!
So many interesting details! The built in shelves, wall hooks, movable light sources, tiny garden and focus on privacy inside the house are all great choices.
I would call this the Tolomeo Concrete House. Between the concrete and the height, I imagine this house stays relatively cool in the summer. And it looks like it should survive just about anything.
It does look a bit like a bomb shelter.
I was smiling the entire time watching this. The place feels so personal and you could probably tell they're sentimental beings
I watched this thrice to make note of all the clever ideas they have incorporated to make this tiny space livable and practical. It would not be anything I would feel comfortable in, but they have made it work for them. A bit of a shame that they didn't make use of the high ceiling to have a "living room" loft or the like, or maybe even for storage of the other things that seem to make this place a little bit stuffed.
wouldnt that absolutely defeat the purpose of a skylight
It's an artwork as much as it is a home, very touching!
this is the most calming and relaxing videos i've watched so far in this channel. it's really captivating listening to the architects and designers speaking their own tongue.
This house has been viral for a long time on instagram. Now finally I can see the inside, thanks to your channel.
A house designed to read books and listen to music sounds perfect.
1:53 That's a gorgeous vaulted ceiling & skylight: the vertical plane in particular is the mark of an accomplished architect as it acts as a privacy screen against prying eyes from those above - shielding the living / dining area from the apartment block to the rear & the bedroom / bathroom quarters from the block in front. A super nice touch that makes the whole concept work. ps 2:29 The nod to Jørn Utzon & the Sydney Opera House did not go unnoticed either!!!
The impact of the very high roof and ceiling is magical.
Absolutely love this home. Beautiful lines. So much character.
It is always enjoyable to see the owners know what they need for the interior. Thank you for sharing this episode in detail. I like how the owners blend the exterior space into their interior living space with stools and bench. This is what villagers did in the past, sitting outside their house and open for neighbors to interact with them.
Love the appreciation of small things :) measuring the book size to make fitting shelves, holes to store pens and stuff, everything has so much detail and character in this house - absolutely perfect
But I am confused about what happens if they buy a new book, or get rid of one.
This is absolutely brilliant. Stylish, efficient, and very clever. Kudos to the architect!
Its impressive how two humans could living in such so small place. Always meet and close to each others constantly and not making one of them feel suffocated.
The dome roof is amazing! What a clever idea!
separation between bed and kitchen/cooker hood better be higher to prevent oily smoke from cooking land on the bed.. the builder must be really good create house full of concrete, looks raw and no visible crack.
This is one of my favorites from your channel so far! The outdoor bath is amazing.
a brutalist tiny home? this is my dream - so stunning
A brutalistic Tiny House. Not my cup of tea, but definitely has a lot of style.
My thoughts exactly
Yes, way too much concrete for me and feels too cluttered because you can see everything but still interesting and an absolutely loved environment by it's inhabitants. I do love the outdoor bathtub!
It's quite cold in design and at first I thought it was more compatible with Soviet era design.
Same, you really can’t make a space like that twice, it’s uniquely theirs
@@mssonoma1 - I agree. It seems quite at odds with what I would expect from a Japanese-designed apartment. I guess it’s kind of post-minimalist! I too loved the outdoor bathtub. I also liked the high ceiling and skylight but find so much unfinished concrete a bit depressing, in spite of the greenery just outside. I have to respect that two people are living in a 19-sqm space in one of the most expensive cities in the world. Kudos to the owner/architect for creating such a space-saving layout.
The cd player on the entrance is ❤ imagine entering the house then playing the music u love to set the mood for the day
Incredible use of space with numerous unique storage ideas. Appears to be so much larger. I love this 💯🌟💜🌟💯
Some beautiful ideas, but this place feels like it's bursting at the seams - it's too small. I felt claustrophobic watching this.
I love the way of light entering from the roof, it’s actually impressive how small houses can be built, this one makes me fell claustrophobic, woods and concrete it’s absolute gorgeous
Ingenious. Love the use of curtains, really softening and practical.
THAT SKYLIGHT!! beautiful.
The best, most inspirational episode in ages. Well done.
In love with the high ceiling. Seems very airy despite the close proximity of everything.
Now we’re talking, This is the epitome of never too small. The perfect home for a like minded couple and very impressive too.
this looks like it came straight out of a Ghibli movie! Impressive architecture, very unique.
Stunning. You’re design is alive, and vibrant!
There is so much stuff in this house but everything is so meticulously placed. I personally couldn't live this closely to another person especially regarding the no privacy while showering/bathing but It seems to work for them. I love this channel so much and it is so relaxing as well ❤❤
I know that house, of all homes in architecture this one resonates with me most deeply
Wow! I love this. As another comment said I love that this looks lived in and cosy.
hiii, please don't shut down your channel anytime in the future 😭😭 i'm still studying to become an architect and want my projects to be featured in this channel !! I beg of you guys to keep the content going and hope that yall will see my projects in future 😍 !!
second time i see this home in a video, still amazed!
One of my favourites so far. What a cool channel.
the pen holder in the bench was so cute and whimsical!!,
I’ve seen this video before… I thought it was on this channel! I love this home! It’s incredible! So full of light 🌟
Love the concrete and how cosy everything feels.