FIKA, is a shop in a dense residential neighborhood of Toshima outside of Tokyo that is only open on weekends. During the rest of the week, it is the home of the owner who worked with ON Design Partners to create the dual-use building. The house is located on a tiny 355 square foot corner site reports Spoon and Tamago

The small footprint led to some creative thinking about how to best use the space. A floor-to-ceiling two story shelving unit houses a collection of Scandinavian antiques and household items offered for sale on the lower half. The upper section is reserved for display and storage of the owners personal items.

FIKA reminds us of work we saw from the Open House project staged by Droog two years ago in Levittown, NY. Design teams partnered with homeowners to develop new ways of thinking about how small businesses and retail might integrate into existing suburban neighborhoods.

Store window

Sliding door entrance for customers

Looking down from the second floor

Back counter

2nd floor living area