Split House: A Compact Urban Home Blending Privacy, Light, and Flexible Living in Japan

Designed by Shinsuke Fujii Architects, Split House is a thoughtfully crafted 90 m² urban residence in Japan, completed in 2022. Tailored for a DINK (Double Income, No Kids) lifestyle, the project explores how compact architecture can balance openness, privacy, and future adaptability within dense city conditions.

At the core of the design is a generous DOMA (earthen floor) space on the ground level, envisioned as a flexible zone that can eventually transform into a café. This multifunctional area anchors the house, creating a seamless connection between domestic life and potential public engagement. A large street-facing window invites natural light and ventilation deep into the interior, while maintaining a subtle boundary between the home and the urban surroundings.

The spatial concept revolves around a careful “split” between openness and enclosure. While certain areas are designed to foster connection—with tunnel-like visual continuity linking the interior to the city—other zones ensure privacy, even between the residents themselves. This nuanced layering of spaces reflects contemporary urban living needs in compact environments.

A wood-burning stove positioned within the DOMA space enhances thermal comfort, supported by a vertical chimney that extends through the atrium to distribute heat efficiently across levels. The design further integrates passive strategies, including high-side windows on the west, which allow consistent daylight penetration without relying heavily on artificial lighting—even in tightly built residential neighborhoods.

Seasonal adaptability is another key feature. Soft natural light filters through elevated openings, creating dynamic interior atmospheres that shift throughout the day and across seasons. This approach also reduces dependency on air conditioning during warmer months, reinforcing the home’s energy-efficient design.

Split House exemplifies how small-scale residential architecture can integrate flexibility, sustainability, and spatial richness. By merging traditional elements like the DOMA with modern urban requirements, the project offers a refined model for future-ready living in dense cities.

All photographs are works of  Tsukui Teruaki