The owners of the House in Nakameguro wanted their architects to design a residence that would remain in the memories of their three children forever. That desire inspired the idea of not only putting a play area into the house, but of integrating that play space within the fabric of the structure—making fun a natural part of daily life.

Design concept and solution:
Rather than inserting play equipment into the house and making it “a house with slide,” the architects made the path that travels from first floor to third floor and back down again a major architectural gesture, creating a “house of slide,” with a journey around the circumference of the house becoming as important as the rooms themselves. Stairs within rounded walls traverse along one side of the 1,762-square-foot house, and the slide, within its rounded tube, travels around the other side.

Built-ins such as a six-foot-long sofa and walls of bookshelves keep furniture to a minimum, so the adventure through the house can remain as unimpeded as possible.

As daily life in the house became routine, surprises were revealed, including the enthusiasm of friends and neighbors, who love to come watch and participate in the unusual fun within—a playfulness that includes the children running up the slide rather than taking the stairs.

Total construction cost:
Withheld