Living Art: The Extraordinary TRUSS WALL HOUSE in Tsurukawa

Where Architecture Meets Imagination in Tokyo's Creative Suburbs

A Home That Defies Convention

Picture this: you're riding the Odakyu Line through the peaceful suburbs of Tokyo when suddenly, something extraordinary catches your eye through the train window. A massive, organic white form emerges from the residential landscape like a benevolent sea creature that has somehow found its way onto dry land. This isn't a museum or art installation—it's someone's home. Welcome to the TRUSS WALL HOUSE, one of Japan's most remarkable residential properties.

TRUSS WALL HOUSE

The Visionaries Behind the Magic

This architectural wonder is the brainchild of the late Scottish architect Kathryn Findlay and Japanese architect Eisaku Ushida. Known for their revolutionary "Truss Wall" construction method, the duo questioned why human-made structures are so uniformly box-shaped when nature offers such incredible diversity of form. Their answer? Create buildings that echo the organic curves and flowing lines found in living organisms.

"Why should stations, schools, and hospitals all look like rectangular boxes when life itself comes in such beautiful, varied forms?"

This philosophical question drove Findlay and Ushida to design a home that would break free from linear constraints and reconnect residents with the organic rhythms of life.

An Exterior That Stops Traffic

From the street, the TRUSS WALL HOUSE commands attention like nothing else in the neighborhood. Its snow-white, sculptural exterior flows and undulates in impossible curves, creating shadows and highlights that shift throughout the day. The building seems to breathe, its organic form suggesting movement even in perfect stillness.

The house sits confidently among traditional Japanese homes and modern apartment buildings, its bold presence creating a striking dialogue between conventional architecture and radical experimentation. Those distinctive porthole-like windows punctuate the curved walls, offering glimpses of the mysteries within while maintaining the structure's otherworldly character.

Step Inside Another World

Cross the threshold and prepare for sensory transformation. True to the architects' vision, straight lines virtually disappear from view. The interior flows like a cave system designed by nature herself, with curves that guide you naturally from space to space.

The main level features a expansive living area anchored by a sunken seating area with vibrant red and striped cushions—a bold splash of color against the pure white interior. Floor-to-ceiling windows open onto a private courtyard filled with smooth river stones, creating a zen-like meditation space that brings natural light flooding into the living areas.

The experience of moving through this space is unlike any conventional home. Instead of walking through doorways, you flow from one organically-shaped room to another. The high, curved ceilings create a sense of openness and freedom that's both dramatic and surprisingly comfortable.

Descending into the Underground Sanctuary

Perhaps the most magical aspect of the TRUSS WALL HOUSE is its lower level, accessed by a curving stairway that feels like a journey into an underground grotto. Here, the organic architecture creates an almost womb-like sense of security and retreat from the outside world.

The basement level houses the more private functions—bedrooms, bathrooms, and intimate spaces—all wrapped in the same flowing, curved walls that make every corner feel sculptural. It's architecture that you don't just inhabit, but experience with your whole body.

Living in a Masterpiece

What's it actually like to call this place home? The current configuration offers approximately 84 square meters of living space across multiple levels, with the building structure dating to 1993. Recent renovations in 2020 included updates to plumbing, septic systems, water heaters, and both interior and exterior painting, ensuring this architectural treasure remains in excellent condition.

The south-facing orientation of the main courtyard ensures the living spaces are bathed in natural light throughout the day, while the unique geometry creates interesting patterns of light and shadow that change with the seasons.

Practical considerations? Yes, there are some. The property sits directly across from the train line, so the gentle rhythm of passing trains becomes part of daily life. Some buyers might see this as a drawback, but for others, it adds to the urban poetry of living in this extraordinary space.

A Rare Piece of Architectural History

The TRUSS WALL HOUSE represents more than just unusual design—it's a piece of architectural history. Findlay and Ushida created fewer than ten existing works using their innovative Truss Wall method, making each one incredibly rare. When this house was completed, it was featured extensively in architectural publications and continues to draw architecture enthusiasts from around the world.

This isn't just a home; it's a manifesto in concrete and steel about what residential architecture could be when freed from convention.

The Tsurukawa Advantage

Location-wise, the house enjoys an enviable position just 5 minutes' walk from Tsurukawa Station. While Tsurukawa might not be a household name, it offers excellent connectivity to central Tokyo—the "Rapid Express" service reaches Shinjuku in just 35 minutes, making it an ideal base for those who work in the city but crave a more creative living environment.

The neighborhood itself strikes a perfect balance between suburban tranquility and urban convenience, with the dramatic contrast between this architectural marvel and its more conventional neighbors adding to the area's unique character.

Investment in Innovation

Priced at ¥80 million ($535,000USD) for both the 84.39㎡ building and 93.51㎡ plot, this property represents a unique investment opportunity. While conventional properties depreciate, architectural landmarks like this tend to appreciate in value over time, especially as their rarity becomes more apparent.

For the right buyer—someone who values innovation, artistry, and the chance to live inside a piece of architectural history—the TRUSS WALL HOUSE offers an unparalleled opportunity.

Who Should Call This Home?

This extraordinary residence would suit:

  • Creative professionals who want their living space to inspire their work

  • Architecture enthusiasts seeking to live inside a masterpiece

  • Those who entertain and want a conversation-starting backdrop

  • Anyone tired of conventional living and ready for something transformative

A Living Legacy

The TRUSS WALL HOUSE stands as proof that residential architecture can be both wildly experimental and genuinely livable. It challenges every assumption about what a home should look like while creating spaces that feel surprisingly natural and comfortable.

In a world of increasingly uniform architecture, properties like this become more precious each year. It's not just a place to live—it's a daily reminder that humans are capable of creating beauty that rivals nature itself.

Ready to make architectural history your home? This is more than a real estate transaction; it's your chance to become the guardian of one of Japan's most extraordinary residential creations.

For viewing appointments and additional information about the TRUSS WALL HOUSE you can connect with the selling agent by following HERE, please note that visits are by serious inquiry only, respecting both the architectural significance and current residential status of this remarkable property.

Important Disclaimer

We are a property matching service and have no direct affiliation with the real estate agency or agent associated with this property listing. We do not receive any commission or compensation from the sale of this property should you choose to pursue a purchase. Our role is purely to connect potential buyers with available properties and provide informational content to assist in your property search.

For all inquiries, transactions, and official property details, please contact the listed agent or agency directly HERE