Modern Multi-Generational House Design in Osaka by FujiwaraMuro Architects

A Thoughtful Urban Haven for Two Generations

In the dense urban setting of Tennoji-ku, Osaka, FujiwaraMuro Architects have redefined the essence of family living with a modern multi-generational house design. This 92-square-meter residence addresses the challenges of privacy, light, and space in a highly built-up neighborhood, creating a peaceful, light-filled environment for two generations to live together harmoniously while maintaining individual space and identity.

Designing for Urban Density with Privacy and Light

The house sits on a narrow site, partially surrounded by higher ground and enclosed urban structures. To address this, the architects adopted a strategic composition of offset volumes made of concrete, wood, and plaster, each arranged to create slits and openings that allow natural light and breezes to flow freely throughout the home. These carefully placed voids also provide visual continuity and depth, helping the interior feel expansive despite its compact urban footprint.

The approach to privacy is equally sensitive. Rather than sealing off the home, the design incorporates a tree-lined entrance that leads into a vertical atrium spanning three floors. This quiet green corridor not only softens the transition from the public street to the private home but also visually connects the structure to the surrounding city.

Vertical Living with a Balanced Spatial Hierarchy

The home is vertically divided between the younger and older generations. The first and second floors belong to the younger family, where a bedroom, guest room, and a spacious LDK (living/dining/kitchen) with bathroom and washroom are located. The third floor is reserved for the older generation, offering complete independence with its own private room, LDK, and bathroom.

Despite this clear separation, the home encourages interaction and visual connectivity through a cantilevered staircase suspended within the central atrium. This design element creates an openness that defies the physical separation of floors, reinforcing a sense of togetherness across generations.

Material Expression and Atmospheric Depth

Materials play a crucial role in defining the home’s mood and aesthetic. The interplay between glass, concrete, and textured plaster is highlighted by the ever-changing reflections of daylight. At night, interior lighting reflects softly off these surfaces, spilling gently through the slits and out into the neighborhood. This poetic effect enhances both the architectural presence of the home and its relationship to its surroundings.

The thoughtful use of materials doesn’t stop at aesthetics. Each surface has been selected to enhance tactile and visual comfort, contributing to the calm, modern atmosphere inside. Whether it's the refined smoothness of the concrete, the warmth of natural wood, or the textured finish of the plaster, the combination encourages a sensory connection with the space.

Reimagining the Multi-Generational House for Urban Japan

This project is not just a residence—it is a model for modern multi-generational house design in Japan’s evolving urban landscape. It embraces density without compromise, offering privacy without detachment and openness without exposure. FujiwaraMuro Architects demonstrate how architecture can respond gracefully to the cultural and logistical demands of shared family life in the city.

Rather than treat the multi-generational house as a utilitarian structure, they elevate it into a sophisticated architectural dialogue—one that respects personal space, encourages connection, and leverages design to foster generational harmony in a contemporary context.

All Photographs are works of Katsuya. Taira (studioREM)