The Shinjuku Lighthouse House rises nine stories high. Originally designed as a hotel in Tokyo’s Shinjuku district, the building’s function was repurposed into a residential home due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Tokyo’s tourism industry.
Located at the intersection of Waseda Street, the building features a suspended concrete slab facade that blurs the line between indoors and outdoors, as well as public and private spaces. Two circular openings face the street intersection, inviting passersby from all directions. For travelers, this structure serves as a beacon, much like a lighthouse. The first floor has been transformed into a shared workspace for residents, aligning with the new normal brought by recent global changes.
The architectural layout centers around a series of open spaces surrounding a “earth space,” known as Tsuchiya in traditional Japanese architecture. This area serves as a transitional zone between everyday use and the entrance, acting as a hub for social interaction. Guests can enter while wearing shoes in this gathering space. Surrounding the earth space, the floor is slightly elevated, creating a flexible platform ideal for quiet activities and nighttime use where shoes are not required.
At night, cloth balls are arranged within this space according to the number of guests. The boundary between the earth space and the raised platform can be separated by lightweight partitions, wooden louvers, or curtains, offering adaptable privacy options.
This flexible spatial design supports improved ventilation standards, addressing COVID-19 safety concerns and facilitating the apartment’s successful renovation. Although originally planned as a hotel, the designers incorporated the importance of indoor-outdoor connectivity by introducing a dual balcony layout—one balcony dedicated to leisure, the other to living and logistical needs. These spaces have gained increased significance amid the pandemic.
△ Analysis diagram
YSLA Architects designed modular “Miwa” style flexible furniture pieces to accommodate various assembly and usage needs. The furniture shapes draw inspiration from the symbolic essence of the lighthouse.
Furniture Selection Analysis
Project Information
Project Type: Residential Building
Location: Shinjuku City, Japan
Architectural Design: YSLA Architects
Project Year: 2020
Photographer: Munetaka Onodera
Lead Architect: YSLA Architects
Design Team: YSLA Architects
Facade: Studio Onder de Linde
Structure: yAt Structure Design Office
Construction: FUJIKEN
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