Tokyo Ballet House / Kenta SANO & Associates, Architects
Kenta Sano and Associates have completed the Tokyo Ballet House, a four-story steel-frame building in the Toshima district. This project addresses the practical needs of a growing ballet school while incorporating a private residence on the upper levels. The design navigates the constraints of a corner site by separating public activity from domestic living space.
The ballet studio serves as the project's core. It requires a clear ceiling height of 4.2 meters for jumps and lifts, which dictated the structural layout. The architects implemented a fully glazed north-facing facade. This choice transforms the studio into a visual stage for the neighborhood, effectively turning passersby into an informal audience.
Sustainability and urban integration played a significant role in the planning. The neighborhood historically housed plant nurseries, and the design brings greenery back through a series of terraces and planted voids. These elements provide a visual relief for residents and help manage the dense urban environment.
Structural engineering remains a key technical feature. The studio is a large steel box that cantilevers over the lower level, supporting the residence above. Standard steel sections were chosen to mitigate vibration during dance practice while maintaining the openness of the studio floor. The exterior west facade uses trapezoidal EPS elements over ALC panels to create a shifting pattern of light and shadow throughout the day.