【TIMELESS HOUSE】It's about time
The Time has come
Timestamps below:
00:00 Intro
00:47 Features
01:36 Exterior
02:18 Interior
03:07 Dusk
05:26 Drawing
Architects: APOLLO Architects & Associates
Area: 202 m²
Year: 2021
Photographs: Masao Nishikawa
Structural Engineer: Motoi Nomura Structures, Motoi Nomura
Facility Engineer: Sakamaki Facility Design Office, Hiroyuki Sakamaki
Lighting Design: Ripple Design, Ken Okamoto
Construction: Katsura Komuten
Architect: Satoshi Kurosaki
City: Bunkyo City
Country: Japan
Presenting the Timeless House by Apollo Architects. Nestled in a tranquil residential neighborhood in central Tokyo, this remarkable house was meticulously crafted to accommodate a couple entering a new chapter of their lives. Having resided on the property for years, the couple sought to rebuild their home as their children embarked on their own adventures.
The resulting design boasts a simple yet striking exterior, characterized by two stacked volumes that maximize the potential of the corner lot.
The facade, composed of exposed concrete imprinted with cedar formwork, exudes a sense of understated elegance. With a deliberate emphasis on privacy and security, the outward-facing windows take the form of horizontal slits.
Step into the enchanting world of the house, and you will discover the presence of two captivating courtyards that run parallel to each other. The larger courtyard, situated on the southern side, immediately captures attention as one enters the foyer. Adorned with a mesmerizing bamboo grove, it serves as a focal point for the living room, study, and bedrooms. Here, the homeowners and their beloved dog can relish outdoor moments at their leisure. On the opposite end, a smaller slit-shaped courtyard nestled on the northern side emanates a gentle glow, acting as a lightwell. Lush plantings dot its landscape, casting a pleasant and diffuse light throughout the first-floor living room and entryway, as well as the second-floor living room.
The design of the house ingeniously incorporates deep eaves above the south-facing windows on the upper floor. This thoughtful feature effectively blocks direct sunlight, creating a subdued and formal ambiance in the first-floor living room. In contrast, the upstairs living room adopts a more casual atmosphere and offers access to a roof balcony, bestowing the second floor with a distinct mood. Such intentional design choices provide the residents with the freedom to navigate their home throughout the day, spending time in spaces that align with their comfort and preference.
Reflecting the changing preferences of residential clients in the post-covid era, this home transcends the conventional boundaries of room functionality. Instead, it embraces a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing families to cherish meaningful moments together while preserving a sense of individual space. The house embodies a liberating environment where residents can effortlessly transition between various areas, almost as if embarking on a personal journey within the confines of their own dwelling. This forward-thinking approach to residential architecture anticipates the desires of clients for years to come, creating a haven where distance and closeness harmoniously coexist.