![Himeji Observatory House by KINO architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/04/dzn_Himeji-Observatory-House-by-KINO-architects-1.jpg)
Tokyo Balconies by KINO Architects
KINO Architects of Japan have completed this four-storey timber and concrete house in Tokyo with balconies on each level.
![Himeji Observatory House by KINO architects Himeji Observatory House by KINO architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/04/dzn_Himeji-Observatory-House-by-KINO-architects-2.jpg)
The Tokyo Balconies house has been designed to simultaneously comply with the height regulations of two zoning areas, as the north sits in a residential zone and the south side is in a commercial zone.
![Himeji Observatory House by KINO architects Himeji Observatory House by KINO architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/04/dzn_Himeji-Observatory-House-by-KINO-architects-12.jpg)
The house has a large balcony on the top floor to the north, overlooking the skyline of Shinjuku.
![Himeji Observatory House by KINO architects Himeji Observatory House by KINO architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/04/dzn_Himeji-Observatory-House-by-KINO-architects-14.jpg)
More projects in Tokyo on Dezeen »
More by KINO Architects on Dezeen »
![Himeji Observatory House by KINO architects Himeji Observatory House by KINO architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/04/dzn_Himeji-Observatory-House-by-KINO-architects-13.jpg)
Photographs are by Daici Ano.
The following is from the architects:
Tokyo Balconies
In Tokyo where building density is high both the “Geographical map”, defining the undulating land, and “Town planning and zoning regulations” have a large influence on construction. This house is on a site where the features of these two geographical maps come together successfully.
![Himeji Observatory House by KINO architects Himeji Observatory House by KINO architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/04/dzn_Himeji-Observatory-House-by-KINO-architects-6.jpg)
This site is off a busy shopping street in the middle of Tokyo. The southern part of the site belongs to a “commerce” zone, and the northern part to a “1st priority residential” zone. To the north of the site the residential zone continues. These two different zones have different regulations in regard to the height of buildings.
![Himeji Observatory House by KINO architects Himeji Observatory House by KINO architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/04/dzn_Himeji-Observatory-House-by-KINO-architects-9.jpg)
The design proposes to make the best use of building on the boundary of two zones. The design included four floors with a large balcony to the north on the top floor. This balcony could also take advantage of the geography to the north giving an outstanding view of the skyscrapers of Shinjuku.
![Himeji Observatory House by KINO architects Himeji Observatory House by KINO architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/04/dzn_Himeji-Observatory-House-by-KINO-architects-10.jpg)
The balcony feature from the top floor is repeated on each floor; internal space is enhanced with outside balcony space. It is too difficult to provide a garden in the super-high density Tokyo environment; also balconies are not included in the calculation of building volume. Therefore many balconies were used to produce an urban garden.
![Himeji Observatory House by KINO architects Himeji Observatory House by KINO architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/04/dzn_Himeji-Observatory-House-by-KINO-architects-11.jpg)
The balconies have two additional roles: to communicate with the surroundings and to obstruct a direct view from the road. The balconies gradually connect the inside and outside.
![Himeji Observatory House by KINO architects Himeji Observatory House by KINO architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/04/dzn_Himeji-Observatory-House-by-KINO-architects-8.jpg)
Architect : Masahiro Kinoshita / KINO architects location : Tokyo, Japan
Principal use : private residence
![Himeji Observatory House by KINO architects Himeji Observatory House by KINO architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/04/dzn_Himeji-Observatory-House-by-KINO-architects-5.jpg)
Structure : wooden, partly reinforced concrete
Scale of building : 1basement and 3 stories
![Himeji Observatory House by KINO architects Himeji Observatory House by KINO architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/04/dzn_Himeji-Observatory-House-by-KINO-architects-7.jpg)
Site area : 49.65 m²
Building area : 31.12 m²
![Himeji Observatory House by KINO architects Himeji Observatory House by KINO architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/04/dzn_Himeji-Observatory-House-by-KINO-architects-4.jpg)
Total floor area : 103.88 m²
![Himeji Observatory House by KINO architects Himeji Observatory House by KINO architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/04/dzn_Himeji-Observatory-House-by-KINO-architects-3.jpg)
Completion : 2010.05
![Tokyo-Balconies KINO Architects Tokyo-Balconies KINO Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/04/Tokyo-Balconies-drawings.jpg)