Keiji Ashizawa Transforms a Dark and Dumpy Tokyo Home into a Light-Filled Skycourt

<a href="http://www.keijidesign.com/">Keiji Ashizawa</a> added a tent-like structure to the roof of a dark and dumpy two story home in Tokyo, transforming the space into a veritable light well called the Skycourt. With strict guidance from local authorities concerned about seismic safety, the designers helped a couple with two children realize their biggest dream of owning a <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/urban-dwelling/">breezy urban dwelling</a> that has a firm connection to nature.

This beautiful home in Tokyo used to be a dark and dumpy double story

Keiji Ashizawa transformed the urban dwelling by topping it off with a glazed tent-like structure that opens onto a rooftop terrace

Bedrooms on the lower floor are attached to a Japanese garden

An internal courtyard on the second floor brings significant light inside

The southern end of was opened up to let in even more light

The new level has expansive views of the city