Chigasaki House by Tamada & Wakimoto Architects: A Multi-Generational Coastal Home in Japan

A Modern Multi-Generational Residence

The Chigasaki House, designed by Tamada & Wakimoto Architects, is a thoughtfully conceived multi-generational home located at the end of a serene cul-de-sac in Chigasaki, Japan. Rebuilt from the original residence of the grandparents, this coastal house now accommodates six family members across three generations. Its design addresses the diverse lifestyles of the younger couple, who run a nearby hair salon, their child, and the grandparents, who balance home-based work with city commutes.

Set in a densely built residential neighborhood by the sea, the project embraces both intimacy and openness, providing spaces where family members can connect or retreat as needed.

Architecture Inspired by Flexibility and Community

The design concept envisions the home as a school of fish, where inhabitants can gather, disperse, and interact fluidly, reflecting a dynamic yet cohesive household. The house is organized along a carefully calibrated grid, with some columns intentionally omitted and beams staggered to generate spatial continuity. This approach creates a sense of unity while allowing for variation in sightlines and room configurations.

The home consists of five split levels, from a semi-basement to the rooftop, connected through vertical circulation. Differences in floor heights form distinct “small residences” within the home, creating unique corners for sitting, leaning, or quiet reflection, contributing to a diverse landscape of living spaces.

Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Connection

Chigasaki House emphasizes harmonious integration with its environment. The spatial configuration connects the north and south gardens, capturing the character of surrounding homes and intimate southern-facing green spaces. On the ground floor, a balcony and large sliding doors link the interior to the front garden, fostering interaction between the child, neighbors, and visitors.

Natural light floods the interior through windows placed at building corners, while breezes flow along multiple paths, creating ventilated, luminous, and adaptable spaces. This careful orchestration of light, air, and sightlines ensures each area maintains a sense of openness while allowing family members to enjoy personal privacy.

Multifunctional Living Spaces

The first floor serves as the heart of family life, with a large dining area acting as a multifunctional hub for meals, study, remote work, and daily household activities.

The semi-basement and third-floor small rooms (4.5–7.3 m²) are equipped with sliding doors and movable furniture, enabling residents to adjust openness and privacy according to their needs. This flexibility ensures the home can adapt over time, accommodating evolving family dynamics and lifestyles.

Thoughtful Detailing and Materiality

Wooden beams, warm interiors, and carefully arranged lighting characterize the Chigasaki House. Each corner window frames a unique view of the surrounding landscape, offering changing visual experiences throughout the day and seasons. These features enhance the home’s sense of connection, comfort, and adaptability, supporting both shared experiences and individual moments.

A Home That Evolves With Its Family

Chigasaki House is more than a residence; it’s a flexible, responsive living environment. By combining split-level planning, adaptable rooms, and strong indoor-outdoor links, Tamada & Wakimoto Architects created a home that grows with its inhabitants, embracing the challenges and joys of multi-generational living. This innovative approach exemplifies contemporary Japanese residential architecture that balances privacy, connectivity, and adaptability.

All photographs are works of Kenta Hasegawa