Satoshi Kurosaki Apollo 株式会社APOLLO一級建築士事務所

RING

RING
© Masao Nishikawa

RING

Apollo Architects & Associates

CATEGORY
Houses

ARCHITECTS
Apollo Architects & Associates

LOCATION
Tokyo, Japan

AREA
104.36 m²

PHOTOGRAPHS
Masao Nishikawa

YEAR
2012

This project was located in a dense residential area of suburban Tokyo populated by a mix of new and older buildings.

RING
© Masao Nishikawa
RING
© Masao Nishikawa

As our client wanted a space with a feeling of openness, our main concern was how to ensure both privacy and a sense of harmony with the surroundings.

This white house, which stands on a northeastern corner plot, projects a closed-off exterior with only a continuous series of horizontal windows on each side, obstructing views from the outside looking in.

RING
© Masao Nishikawa
RING
© Masao Nishikawa
RING
© Masao Nishikawa

The ring-shaped wing wall protruding boldly outwards from the top of the entrance, which also accommodates a parking space, creates a semi-outdoor space that resembles a pilotis structure.

This intermediate zone, delicately poised between exterior and interior, produces a measured and balanced sense of privacy.

The master bedroom, children's room and bathroom are located on the first floor, while the second storey houses a large single space that serves as a family room.

RING
© Masao Nishikawa
RING
© Masao Nishikawa

The ring-shaped outer wall also proved to be effective in shutting out the chaotic urban landscape visible from outside the windows.

The rigid-frame structure that incorporates a number of steel posts within it allowed us to create a timber-framed house whose south-facing facade features windows that can be opened all the way.

RING
© Masao Nishikawa
RING
© Masao Nishikawa
RING
© Masao Nishikawa

The ring-shaped outer wall also proved to be effective in shutting out the chaotic urban landscape visible from outside the windows. 

This particular feature served to frame and "borrow" the aerial landscape outside the house, bringing it into the interior while also obstructing lines of sight that might peer into it. 

RING
© Masao Nishikawa
RING
© Masao Nishikawa

The grating on the floor of the balcony admits light to the bottom floor, while also shielding the inhabitants from prying outside eyes at ground level.

In contrast to the private rooms on the first floor, the cantilevered second storey with its central public room projects an object-like presence. Although this configuration creates a loose separation between the living room and dining/kitchen, the continuous slanting ceiling serves to unite the entire space, creating a quiet sense of calm.

RING
© Masao Nishikawa
RING
© Masao Nishikawa


RING
© Masao Nishikawa
RING
© Masao Nishikawa
RING
© Masao Nishikawa
RING
© Masao Nishikawa


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Satoshi Kurosaki Apollo 株式会社APOLLO一級建築士事務所
T +81 3 64335095 F +81 3 64335096
Satoshi Kurosaki Apollo 株式会社APOLLO一級建築士事務所
5-11-23 Minamiaoyanam, Minato word, TERMINAL 1F / B1F, Tokyo, Japan