Introduction to IEIE Residence

MASA Architects completes IEIE in Urayasu City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan, a project that integrates residential and professional spaces within a single structure. Designed for a couple who hosts piano lessons, IEIE incorporates multiple house-shaped volumes within a larger architectural composition. The structure evokes an abstract streetscape, where shifting light and layered spatial elements create a fluctuating perception of place. Horizontal metallic steel sheets clad the exterior, reflecting the changing sky.

all images courtesy of MASA Architects

Architectural Design and Natural Light

The Japanese architecture firm explores the idea of an urban experience within a private dwelling, where spaces are not rigidly defined but flow into one another. At dawn, sharp beams of natural light enter through a house-shaped slit at the top, illuminating the interiors with a soft glow. Throughout the day, light filters into different volumes—falling first into the entrance, then into the toilet—guiding movement and subtly altering the ambiance. At dusk, a mix of blue-tinged natural light and warm artificial illumination enhances the atmospheric depth of the MASA Architects’ house, making it feel less like a conventional home and more like a space shaped by chance, akin to a cave.

Unique Design Elements

A striking element of the design is a bedroom perched atop the main house volume, resembling a birdhouse. This elevated retreat emphasizes the layering of domestic and urban references, reinforcing the conceptual framework of the structure. Meanwhile, the eaves, shaped like piano keys, provide an interactive feature for children attending piano lessons, adding a playful architectural gesture to the composition.

reflecting the changing sky

Integration of Residential and Professional Spaces

IEIE incorporates multiple house-shaped volumes within a larger architectural composition, creating a unique and functional space for the couple who hosts piano lessons. The structure is designed to integrate residential and professional spaces, providing a seamless transition between different areas of the house.

MASA Architects completes IEIE in Urayasu City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan

Additional Design Features

The house also features a unique design with metallic steel sheets cladding the exterior, reflecting the changing sky. The eaves, shaped like piano keys, add a playful touch to the composition.

a project that integrates residential and professional spaces within a single structure

designed for a couple who hosts piano lessons