apollo architects position slash house in a nature park

apollo architects position slash house in a nature park
photo by masao nishikawa

‘slash house’ is a one story building conceived by apollo architects which is erected within a nature park against a mountainous backdrop, overlooking the ocean. despite its natural surroundings, the dwelling is located along a busy road. to counteract the noise of cars driving by, it has been set back away from the curb, and built with a reinforced concrete exterior–to absorb sound–with minimal openings.

the distance between the parkway and the home, along the east side of the site, has been paved into a large parking area. this road side is elevated above the west ocean frontage, so while horizontal ribbon windows along the façade offer the owners and guests glimpses of the sea horizon as they approach, the long north-south building’s intended design is to hide the ocean’s existence from the entrance so that full, expansive vistas can be experienced only from within the house.

‘slash house’ by apollo architects in the context of its natural environment
photo by masao nishikawa

wooden screens are installed on the exterior to protect windows from salt damage and typhoons
photo by masao nishikawa

approach
photo by masao nishikawa

an intentionally sloped entrance offers anticipation of the interior space
photo by masao nishikawa

entrance
photo by masao nishikawa

the main programs of the residence–three bedrooms, living, dining and kitchen areas and master bathroom–are all accessed from a long corridor on one side, opening up onto a shared wooden balcony opposite. the large lavatory at the far north-west corner features a marble bathtub positioned within a corner window where one can relax in calm and enjoy the landscape beyond. to protect ‘slash house’ from extreme weather conditions, apollo architects has installed wooden folding doors on the exterior to shield the windows from typhoons and salt damage. the exposed high-strength concrete combined with teakwood employed for flooring ceilings, furniture and the kitchen, create an atmosphere that is warm, and whose characteristics will deepen over time.

shared living, kitchen and dining area
photo by masao nishikawa