A 280-square-foot tiny house in Tokyo that's made of boxes stacked together maximizes space with a rooftop terrace and high ceilings

House Tokyo is a novelty compared to the traditional exposed brick and neutral-toned walls of neighboring homes. Nestled on the corner of a cramped street, House Tokyo is an eye-catching example of how architects successfully build spacious homes in small areas.

The home was built on a 280-square-foot vacant plot of land after a couple asked UNEMORI ARCHITECTS to create a home "for two that would serve as a temporary cityhouse," a press release read.

The secret to House Tokyo's charm — and functionality — is in the wooden framework.

The home was designed with wooden frames stacked and placed like Lego blocks, then fortified with cement and wrapped in corrugated steel. Part of the upper level was set back from the street, creating staggered ceilings of different heights.

House Tokyo has a "tiny footprint," so the home's total floor area is just 550 square feet.

When homeowners walk into House Tokyo, they're met with a metal staircase that can lead to the main communal areas upstairs or the semi-basement.

"While each floor is assigned a function, the spaces are connected through open floor plans and offset levels which enlarge the space and counter the smallness of the house," UNEMORI ARCHITECTS said.

Since part of the roof was set farther back than the rest, House Tokyo has ceilings heights that range from just over six feet to 15 feet.

"The differing ceiling heights within the suspended inner wooden structure and the distance to other buildings were challenges, as well as the task of designing a pleasant living experience in such a small space," studio founder Hiroyuki Unemori told Dezeen.

The staggered ceilings also help create additional space by allowing a small rooftop terrace that overlooks the surrounding neighborhood.

Additionally, UNEMORI ARCHITECTS decided large windows would help the tiny home feel grand and take advantage of the natural light. The studio placed a ladder near one window so homeowners can overlook their neighborhood or step onto the terrace.

"Thanks to the suspended structure and exterior design of House Tokyo, the air and daylight circulation was improved," the studio added in the press release.

"The open-plan kitchen and dining area were placed on the first floor where the spacious overhead area is dominated by the wood beams of the house's framework," UNEMORI ARCHITECTS said.

The home's wooden beams complement the wood dinner table, cabinets, and brown tile floor — enhancing House Tokyo's minimalist style. The pristine white walls also help the room feel spacious.

Robert Novogratz, the principal designer of The Novogratz, told Insider's Cheyenne Lentz that using white paint or white tiles can open up a room. On the other hand, bright colors or lively wallpaper can make a room feel smaller.

House Tokyo's main bedroom and bathroom are found in the semi-basement, where UNEMORI ARCHITECTS ensured the room is illuminated with natural daylight.

The semi-basement also leaned heavily on the wood aesthetic, with an exposed wood beam ceiling and hardwood floors that span from the bedroom to the bathroom.

The bathroom has an adjustable shower head, white tile flooring, and countertop space to help declutter the area. The home's laundry area is also found in the semi-basement and was placed underneath the winding metal staircase.

Hiroyuki Unemori told Dezeen that the sleeping area could be divided into two separate rooms for visitors or renters.

"The client has a very urban lifestyle, such as eating out and using public bathing facilities, so the city is their extended house," Unemori told the outlet. "They use the House Tokyo for sleeping, working, and living."