apollo architects design earthquake-resistant sign house

apollo architects design earthquake-resistant sign house
image © masao nishikawa
all images courtesy of apollo architects & associates

apollo architectstakes advantage of site limitations and zoning regulations to design a light filled earthquake-resistant house. ‘sign’ is minimally a three story residence a busy street in tokyo. valuing privacy, the design creates the illusion of being solid. however, the front facade is finished with a sculptural wooden screen. the entrance is tucked in behind the slatted partition and is accessed via the car port, where the exterior walls  slope to allow high visibility to the driver whether departing from or returning home. inside, the bathroom and bedroom are located toward the back of the ground level. here small windows are located near the ceiling to allow light, but not unwanted voyeurs. the main living spaces are located upstairs as a loft. the middle floor has an open plan kitchen, dining area and living room. at this level, each end of the dwelling opens to a balcony overlooking the street or open to the sky above. a second parallel stair leads to a bonus room for study, relaxation, guests, or whatever else the residents can imagine. shielded by the envelope, the terraced plans allow ample daylight to fill the space – a surprise for those entering for the first time.

solid ealls and wooden screen provide privacy from the street, while the angled walls allow visibility for entering and leaving the home
image © masao nishikawa

detail of carport, entry, and wood screen facade
image © masao nishikawa

open plan
image © masao nishikawa

balcony b opens two stories, allowing ample light to flood the home
image © masao nishikawa

living space designed as a loft
image © masao nishikawa

kitchen looks out to balcony a and the street, enclosed by a sculptural wooden shutter
image © masao nishikawa

(left): the house from the rear terrace during the day
(right): the house from the rear terrace at night
image © masao nishikawa

(left): exterior at night
(right): a light illuminates the front porch
image © masao nishikawa

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project information:

architecture: satoshi kurosaki/apollo architects & associates
photography: masao nishikawa
location: setagaya ward tokyo
date of completion: may 2013
principal use: private housing
structure: timber
site area: 70.12m2
building area: 41.62m2
total floor area: 92.82m2 (1f, 29.96m2/2f, 32.04 m2/3f, 19.18 m2/)
structure engineers: masaki structure (kenta masaki)
facility engineers: shimada architects (zenei shimada)
construction: kera construction
material information:
exterior finish: hydrotect color coat
floor: wood flooring
wall: wall paper
ceiling: wall paper