![Black box house by TakaTina](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/04/black-box-takatina-architecture-houses-residential-japan-tokyo_dezeen_hero-a-852x479.jpg)
Black corrugated metal encases loft-inspired Tokyo house by TakaTina
American studio TakaTina has created a stark family home on the outskirts of Tokyo, featuring bright white interiors inspired by the client's previous Brooklyn loft apartment and an inky black exterior.
![Black box house by TakaTina](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/04/black-box-takatina-architecture-houses-residential-japan-tokyo_dezeen_2364_col_0-852x1278.jpg)
The New York based architects, husband-and-wife team Takaaki and Christina Kawabata, were commissioned to design the house for a family of four in a residential area west of the Japanese capital.
The 106-square-metre house is made up of two offset volumes that aim to challenge the local housing typology, and form a minimal backdrop for the client's furniture collection.
![Black box house by TakaTina](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/04/black-box-takatina-architecture-houses-residential-japan-tokyo_dezeen_2364_col_4-852x1269.jpg)
"Rejecting the outside scenery while creating an introspective micro-cosmos filled with natural light and wind became the main concept of this house," said the architects.
![Black box house by TakaTina](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/04/black-box-takatina-architecture-houses-residential-japan-tokyo_dezeen_2364_col_16-852x1278.jpg)
"Inspired by Carl Andre's minimalist art, the two-storey monolithic volume and plane creates a geometric composition to organise a public first floor, a private second floor, garden and parking space," they added.
![Black box house by TakaTina](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/04/black-box-takatina-architecture-houses-residential-japan-tokyo_dezeen_2364_col_15-852x482.jpg)
The residence is named Black Box after its corrugated metal cladding, a material more commonly associated with industrial building. The uniform cladding creates a simple structure that meets both the budget of the client, and his love for machine-like aesthetics.
The minimal black facade is disrupted only in a few places by large windows with subtle frames. These are carefully positioned to ensure there is sufficient natural light and ventilation, while maintaining privacy.
![Black box house by TakaTina](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/04/black-box-takatina-architecture-houses-residential-japan-tokyo_dezeen_2364_col_12-852x1278.jpg)
Raised on a concrete plinth, the arrangement of the blocks also makes space for a small south-facing courtyard, forming a buffer between the main living space and the adjacent house.
The house comprises an open-plan living and dining space, three bedrooms and a bathroom, all with a minimal finish.
![Black box house by TakaTina](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/04/black-box-takatina-architecture-houses-residential-japan-tokyo_dezeen_2364_col_13-852x1278.jpg)
"New York-style loft living and the owner's discerning taste in furniture and art collection was our design inspiration. The simple neutral palette provides the canvas for their lifestyle," the architects explained.
![Black box house by TakaTina](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/04/black-box-takatina-architecture-houses-residential-japan-tokyo_dezeen_2364_col_21-852x1270.jpg)
On the ground floor, the loft aesthetic is created by the high ceiling and its open plan, along with an exposed blackened-timber frame and a statement floating staircase.
The white walls are intended to draw focus to the client's collection, which includes a Grete Jalk-designed chai and Eames classics.
![Black box house by TakaTina](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/04/black-box-takatina-architecture-houses-residential-japan-tokyo_dezeen_2364_col_20-852x568.jpg)
TakaTina also incorporated a slightly recessed kitchen area to prevent distraction from the loft-like interiors and the furniture.
The second floor is covered in walnut flooring and has a modest ceiling height to create a more domestic and cosy atmosphere.
![Black box house by TakaTina](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/04/black-box-takatina-architecture-houses-residential-japan-tokyo_dezeen_2364_col_18-852x1278.jpg)
The children's bedroom features a green curtain with a hidden track, creating a flexible space that can be divided in the future.
There is also a custom-made desk, carefully positioned in front of a large window that overlooks the mountain view.
![Black box house by TakaTina](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2017/04/black-box-takatina-architecture-houses-residential-japan-tokyo_dezeen_2364_col_1-852x1278.jpg)
In 2014 Level Architects completed a similar project, an all black house in Tokyo that contains light and spacious interiors, but reveals little to its neighbours.
Photography is by Mikiko Kikuyama.