ron arad curves patinated steel ribbons on the façade of tokyo residence

ron arad curves patinated steel ribbons on the façade of tokyo residence
all images © anatole papafilippou / ron arad studio

defined by a dynamic steel envelope, london based design studio ron arad has completed this private residence – ‘D house’ – situated in the popular shibuya district in tokyo. working in collaboration with ISSHO architects, the construction took two years to complete.

the angular house occupies the oblong, rectangular site to maximum efficiency

sited on an oblong, rectangular site, the three-storeys have been clearly distinguished by its defined tiers. the three stacked components decrease in size as the height of the building increases. as well as emphasizing the perspectival effect, the volumes are mechanically fastened to the neighboring concrete walls- instilling a balanced relationship between a sculptural piece of architecture and a private residence.

entrance is through the painted red door, the curving steel ribbons hide the home’s courtyard from view

despite each floor level decreasing in size, they are united by the continuous use of retractable steel mesh curtains that form the front façade. resembling frayed, paper-like ribbons, they they enclose the front courtyard and gives the exterior sculptural character and a sense of movement.

the façade is clad in curved steel ribbons

looking from below, the ribbon-like element gives the façade a sense of movement

the home is comprised of three-levels

located in the shibuya neighborhood, ron arad worked with issho architects throughout the development

a computer rendering of the tokyo home

sketch showing the three floors decreasing in size as they get higher