![House K by Takeshi Hamada](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/05/dezeen_House-K-by-Takeshi-Hamada_1.jpg)
House K by Takeshi Hamada
Beyond the arched entrance of this metal-clad house in Kadoma, Japan by architect Takeshi Hamada is a corner light well surrounded by windows and balconies.
![House K by Takeshi Hamada House K by Takeshi Hamada](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/05/dezeen_House-K-by-Takeshi-Hamada_2.jpg)
Every room inside the three-storey House K faces this lightwell, with living and dining rooms on the first floor and bedrooms on the storey above.
![House K by Takeshi Hamada House K by Takeshi Hamada](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/05/dezeen_House-K-by-Takeshi-Hamada_3.jpg)
A staircase connecting each of the floors is positioned behind glass-panel walls at the centre of the house.
![House K by Takeshi Hamada House K by Takeshi Hamada](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/05/dezeen_House-K-by-Takeshi-Hamada_4.jpg)
This time last year Takeshi Hamada completed a house with a bare concrete gallery at its base - see it here.
![House K by Takeshi Hamada House K by Takeshi Hamada](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/05/dezeen_House-K-by-Takeshi-Hamada_5.jpg)
Photography is by Yohei Sasakura.
![House K by Takeshi Hamada House K by Takeshi Hamada](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/05/dezeen_House-K-by-Takeshi-Hamada_6.jpg)
The text below is from the architect:
House K Concept
A small, starkly white cuboid house built for a modest budget in a crowded residential area.
![House K by Takeshi Hamada House K by Takeshi Hamada](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/05/dezeen_House-K-by-Takeshi-Hamada_7.jpg)
Environs and site for construction
This relatively small-sized 20-tsubo (66 square meter) property is in Kadoma city in Osaka Prefecture, a short distance from the local railway station.
![House K by Takeshi Hamada House K by Takeshi Hamada](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/05/dezeen_House-K-by-Takeshi-Hamada_8.jpg)
The surrounding area was developed on a small scale several years previously for residential construction, and this was one of the remaining unsold lots.
![House K by Takeshi Hamada House K by Takeshi Hamada](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/05/dezeen_House-K-by-Takeshi-Hamada_9.jpg)
The neighboring buildings are typical three-storied residences, with very little open space between constructions.
![House K by Takeshi Hamada House K by Takeshi Hamada](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/05/dezeen_House-K-by-Takeshi-Hamada_10.jpg)
A daytime visitor to this cul-de-sac sees clusters of chattering housewives in the roadway outside the houses, and hears the sounds of children at play.
![House K by Takeshi Hamada House K by Takeshi Hamada](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/05/dezeen_House-K-by-Takeshi-Hamada_11.jpg)
Construction design
I designed a simple white box consisting of three floors. A light well extends vertically through all three floors and the inner space is ranged around it.
![House K by Takeshi Hamada House K by Takeshi Hamada](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/05/dezeen_House-K-by-Takeshi-Hamada_12.jpg)
Each of the rooms faces this light well, so while maintaining privacy from outside eyes, light floods the entire interior and there is a healthy air flow throughout.
![House K by Takeshi Hamada House K by Takeshi Hamada](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/05/dezeen_House-K-by-Takeshi-Hamada_13.jpg)
#First Floor
A spacious entranceway, bath-laundry space and multi-purpose room occupy this floor, and by converting the low-ceilinged space under the stairway into an arched tunnel, the constrictiveness is relieved and a sense of playfulness is created
![House K by Takeshi Hamada House K by Takeshi Hamada](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/05/dezeen_House-K-by-Takeshi-Hamada_14.jpg)
#Second Floor
The maximum possible floor space is a kitchen and living/dining room. The staircase was purposefully placed in the center and flanked by glass doors on both sides.
![House K by Takeshi Hamada House K by Takeshi Hamada](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/05/dezeen_House-K-by-Takeshi-Hamada_15.jpg)
Opening and closing the doors tailors this flexible space, adjusting the volume for a variety of needs.
![House K by Takeshi Hamada House K by Takeshi Hamada](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/05/dezeen_House-K-by-Takeshi-Hamada_16.jpg)
This design allows a maximum of area to be utilized as one continuous space, even on a small plot of land, and the inner balcony and light well increase the airy flow effect.
![House K by Takeshi Hamada House K by Takeshi Hamada](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/05/dezeen_House-K-by-Takeshi-Hamada_17.gif)
#Third Floor
On the top floor are two bedrooms and a large balcony. Each area is contained within the outer walls of the light well which form the box-like shape of the house, and create a gentle sense of security.
![House K by Takeshi Hamada House K by Takeshi Hamada](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/05/dezeen_House-K-by-Takeshi-Hamada_18.gif)
House Name: “House K”
Location: Kadoma city, Osaka, JAPAN
Construction: September 2011 – January 2012
Structure: Wooden Structure
![House K by Takeshi Hamada House K by Takeshi Hamada](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/05/dezeen_House-K-by-Takeshi-Hamada_19.gif)
Site Area: 65.27 sq m
Building Area: 38.68 sq m
Floor Area: 97.69 sq m 1F(30.01 sq m)2F(36.90 sq m)3F(30.78 sq m)