apollo architects and associates: lift

‘left’ by apollo architects and associates, sendai, japan
images courtesy of masao nishikawa

apollo architects and associates has completed ‘lift’, a single family home located in the
residential district of downtown sendai, japan. characterized by seamless geometric volumes
and an impenetrable facade, the design features a protruding upper floor and a plan that centers
around an internal courtyard.

parking for two cars in located under the cantilevered structure

conceived as a single, continuous space filled with natural light, the second floor – housing the
principal living spaces – provides unobstructed sight-lines that open on to a private terrace.
located between the front facade and the residence, the deck creates a transitional atmosphere
between the two environments. dark louvers on the slanted facade act as a shield to the residence,
providing views outwards but not in. light and cross ventilation that filter through the wooden
slats penetrate the home, reducing the amount of windows required on walls that face neighboring
structures. 

exterior facade

a central courtyard separates private and public functions of each floor. opening onto the sky,
the cubic volume contains maple trees and other vegetation that aim to create a tranquility
within the urban residence. using natural materials such as wood and tatami mats, the home
focuses on elements borrowed from the introduced landscape.

behind the slanted louver facade

looking towards the private terrace located between the house and the facade

bedrooms and other small rooms compose the ground floor, breaking the long and narrow space
into a series of private and enclosed environments.

kitchen

looking towards the courtyard from kitchen and living room

courtyard

courtyard and hallway

lower level

lower level

night shot