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

Shift House

Shift House
© Masao Nishikawa

SHIFT HOUSE

Apollo Architects & Associates

ARCHITECTS
Apollo Architects & Associates

AREA
257.0 m2

LOCATION
Tokyo, Japan

CATEGORY
Houses

YEAR
2010

PHOTOGRAPHS
Masao Nishikawa

Text description provided by architect.

Surrounding the site in the outskirts of Tokyo is lush green and a slow-paced environment.

The building was commissioned by a family composed of the husband who manages an insurance company, the wife who works as a patternmaker and their two children.

Shift House
© Masao Nishikawa
Shift House
© Masao Nishikawa

It was planned as a SOHO, with a space for the yoga classes run by the wife added to the house.

The distinguishing exterior consists of a wooden volume covered with a luminescent wall sitting on top of a base made of exposed concrete engrained with the texture of Japanese cedar.

In sharp contrast to the exterior that is closed to the outside world, an inner courtyard pierces the center of the structure.

Shift House
© Masao Nishikawa
Shift House
© Masao Nishikawa

With a hollow center, the house is easy walk around and allows for the presence of family members to be felt from anywhere.

The symbolic tree in the courtyard plays a central role in sustaining the equilibrium of the architecture.

Shift House
© Masao Nishikawa
Shift House
© Masao Nishikawa
Shift House
© Masao Nishikawa

On the ground floor, the living room and dining kitchen face each other across the courtyard while a sculptural staircase is positioned across the courtyard from the entrance.

The staircase is symbolic in its presence and gives expansiveness to the spaces together with the courtyard.

Shift House
© Masao Nishikawa
Shift House
© Masao Nishikawa

On the first floor, the multi-purpose room is used for yoga classes and for other activities, while small gardens are positioned around bedrooms providing light and openings.

Incorporating an open-air garden within it, the house makes it possible to fully enjoy the Japanese four seasons. The contrast between the external and the internal will help to keep a fresh mind in everyday life.

Shift House
© Masao Nishikawa


Shift House
first floor plan
Shift House
second floor plan

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