Wooden building on a dense street in Tokyo

Japanese architecture studio VUILD has completed the modular wooden building 'prewood' in a narrow urban space in Tokyo. Precisely sandwiched between dense city streets, this building's vertically stacked cedar façade provides a unique texture while harmonizing with the surrounding buildings.

The exterior is composed of layers of wood panels, and subtle changes in depth and angle create a three-dimensional effect. The openings are placed in an understated manner, revealing a glimpse of internal activities while maintaining the privacy of the narrow front area. The cedar wood will be used as is without any additional surface treatment, and its color will naturally change over time in response to Tokyo's climate.

Module design considering disassembly and reuse

The core of the building system developed by VUILD lies in its approach to treating the entire building as a collection of individual wooden modules. Each module is designed with the premise of dismantling, so the structure can be disassembled and relocated to another location in the future. This is a design that extends the life of materials beyond a single site and reflects broader consideration of resource circulation.

Modules are stacked vertically to maximize usable floor space within limited site conditions. Using digital modeling tools, we defined thousands of screw positions and converted them directly into manufacturing data. On site, assembly was carried out with high precision, using 3D printed guides to ensure accurate alignment of each connection.

Space expansion created by segmented levels

The interior space expands the sense of space within a limited area through a skip floor (split-level) configuration. Service facilities were concentrated in the front, with the remaining space devoted to seating and movement. Vertical movement between floors creates changes in ceiling height and viewpoint, forming a continuous yet distinct spatial sequence.

The interior finish is understated. Plastered walls and exposed wooden surfaces set the mood. Light enters through carefully placed openings and brushes the surface, highlighting the wood grain. The upper floors provide a semi-private space for small gatherings, and the rooftop terrace provides moments of open space amidst the surrounding dense space.

Showing the potential of urban wooden architecture

The building's structural system responds directly to the constraints of the site. In situations where scaffolding space was limited, modular components enabled rapid assembly and the main structure could be completed in a short period of time. This method reduced dependence on professional carpenters and was based on a systematic system that could be implemented with general construction personnel.

Regulations and environmental considerations were also reflected in material selection. Freewood, located within a fire protection district, incorporates a cross-laminated laminate (CLT) ceiling designed to perform during fire exposure. The combination of cedar panels, ventilation gaps and protected wood sections supports durability while maintaining a natural finish.

Through this project, VUILD presents a practical example of urban wooden architecture adapted to dense urban conditions, demonstrating the potential of how modular wooden structures can be applied to narrow urban sites.