Tato Architects place this unusual build in a green residential area of Hikone, located in Shiga prefecture. A family house for a young couple, the plot finds itself among a relatively generic run of two-storey houses, the firm set the challenge of building something unique and striking yet sensitive to its environment. A  106 sqm cylindrical building was proposed with 42 small windows filtering in the light and covering the expanse of white concrete. Inside, a series of wooden boxes form separate rooms within the build while office and kitchen spaces work beside them in the open section of the house. Finishing off the unusual layout, a set of stairs sweeping downwards and landing on a large desk. Fair enough.