This dramatic house plan will make you stop and stare on passing, but the interiors are definitely something to explore. An ultra-modern, industrial-style playground, this innovative vertical house designed by Sanpei Junichi of Japanese architecture firm A.L.X. is as striking from the outside as it is from behind its smooth white shell. Both located in and inspired by Tokyo, this urban house was built up rather than out to maximize available living space. In fact, while the piece of land is but a mere 480 sq. ft., the architects designed a 675-sq.-ft. living space. This compact home design stands out in a sea of concrete with its smooth facade. Windows are covered in perforated metal shades that create a seamless look from the exterior and offering privacy, while still allowing plenty of natural light to permeate inside, where exposed concrete, zigzagging staircases and an open-concept house plan complete the ultra-modern look and feel of the space. We love the glass-bottomed catwalk up on the upper level, offering unobstructed views of the living space below. A.L.X
