Amazing Mineral House is a Multi-Faceted Micro Home in Japan

This striking micro home in Japan is an amazing example of efficient design for small-space living. Designed by Tokyo-based <a href="http://inhabitat.com/2010/08/10/extraordinary-japanese-micro-home-built-from-a-grid-of-boxes/" target="_blank">Atelier Tekuto</a>, the faceted three-story home is located on a small corner lot near the center of Tokyo. Abstractly titled "<a href="http://tekuto2.squarespace.com/06_10_mineral/" target="_blank">Reflection of Mineral</a>", the home is a study in small spaces, simple finishes, and <a href="../tag/daylighting" target="_blank">daylighting</a> through the use of transparent and opaque surfaces that suffuse the interior with light.

Atelier Tekuto, led by Yasuhiro Yamashita, designed this home for a client based on the principles of 'Mineral' and 'Reflection'.

The "Mineral" concept is expressed in the form of the house, which features a faceted design that looks like a cut diamond.

The "Reflection" concept is expressed through the use of the facets on the inside that reflect light through transparent or translucent surfaces onto opaque surfaces.

The white exterior makes the geometric house shine at night while reflecting heat during day.

Light enters the home's various windows and skylights and reflects throughout the interior spaces.

The home stands three stories tall and is built on a 44 sq m (474 sq ft) building lot.

The kitchen is quite simple by design and consists of a curved counter top, a sink, a small fridge, a two-burner stove, a vent, and a shelf.

Light reflects from the top floor down into the main living area.

The top floor gets its warm lighting from the skylights shining down from above.

The bathroom is neatly tucked away and covered in reflective steel.

The house is a study in small-space design. It makes great use of reflective surfaces and windows to bring in more light.

The client even had room to ask for a covered parking space under his house, which can also serve as a courtyard when the car is away.

As the sun travels throughout the day, the light also travels around the room, reflecting in different patterns.