Ito at his most surgical: domestic space reduced to a crisp U-shaped void — calm, private, and quietly radical.
Former building in Nakano, Tokyo, Japan.
Featured in Toyo Ito's definitive monograph, Toyo Ito: Forces of Nature.
Visitor Guide
This is a private residence — treat it as an exterior-only pilgrimage. Be discreet, don’t block access, and don’t photograph people or private details.
From the public street at a respectful distance; early morning for softer shadows that reveal the U geometry without harsh contrast.
No public access inside (private house). Exterior viewing only from public right-of-way.
The ‘emptiness’ is the point — the void is the room, and the walls are just the apparatus that protects it from the city.
10–20 minutes
Design & Structure
Concept-first domestic design: spatial diagram (U/void) developed into a compact structural shell; modeling used to tune proportions and daylight without sacrificing privacy.
White plaster/concrete-like surfaces to erase texture and foreground geometry and light.
A perimeter shell behaving like a structural frame; the simplicity is hard-won through careful reinforcement and waterproofing detailing.
See Together
Buildings that pair well with White U House — they're nearby or share a compelling architectural conversation.
More by Toyo Ito
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Ito-toren
VivoCity
National Stadium (Kaohsiung)
Torre Realia BCN
Hotel Porta Fira
Toyo Ito Museum of Architecture, Imabari
Frequently Asked Questions
Who designed White U House?+
White U House was designed by Toyo Ito. It is located in Nakano, Japan.
Where is White U House located?+
White U House is located in Nakano, Japan. Its coordinates are 35.6951°, 139.6756°.
Can I visit White U House?+
White U House is a real building in Nakano that can be viewed from the outside. Check local information for interior access and visiting hours. Use the Parametric Atlas walking tour feature to plan a route that includes this building.