japanese architecture practice ON design partners has sent us images of ‘yokohama apartment’, a two-storey residential complex for young artists in kanagawa, japan. located in an area populated with wooden houses and narrow roads, the design elevates the living units to sit above a semi public courtyard which serves as a multifunctional place for exhibitions, work, and socializing.

ON design completes yokohama apartment in japan
view from the passing street
image © koichi torimura (also main image)

 

 

conceived as the main communal space, the courtyard is loosely defined by four, triangular volumes that pinwheel around the center. an outdoor kitchen complete with a sink and stove allows the inhabitants to congregate in this area for a variety of functions. a washroom and storage closets are accommodated  at the ground level of the four pillars, ensuring efficient organization of the second storey. access to the elevated living space above is gained by a series of exterior staircases that wrap around the courtyard. the landings serve as small outdoor terraces that provide visual connection to both the street and communal area below.

ON design completes yokohama apartment in japan
view of communal courtyard
image © koichi torimura

 

 

the hovering living spaces are divided as four ‘huts’, each with a private bathroom and kitchenette. the make-up and organization of these units maximizes on the individual’s privacy. a strip of outdoor space lines half the perimeter of the floor to provide additional terraces for the inhabitants. while the courtyard is exceptionally open to the street, the house as a whole maintains its privacy through careful negotiation of space. 

ON design completes yokohama apartment in japan
from exterior staircase
image © koichi torimura

ON design completes yokohama apartment in japan
view of street from courtyard
image © koichi torimura

ON design completes yokohama apartment in japan
interior view of ”hut”
image © koichi torimura

ON design completes yokohama apartment in japan
living space
image © koichi torimura

ON design completes yokohama apartment in japan
outdoor terrace
image © koichi torimura

ON design completes yokohama apartment in japan
exterior staircase
image © koichi torimura

ON design completes yokohama apartment in japan
in context
image © koichi torimura

ON design completes yokohama apartment in japan
plan sketch

ON design completes yokohama apartment in japan
sectional sketch

 

 

project info:

 

architect: nishida osamu + nakagawa erika / ON design
site area: 140.61 m2
building area: 83.44 m2
total floor area: 152.05 m2