tokyo apartments by makoto yamaguchi feature ventilating voids

tokyo apartment complex by makoto yamaguchi features ventilating voids
photo by koichi torimura
all images courtesy of makoto yamaguchi design

in a residential neighborhood of tokyo, makoto yamaguchi design has constructed an apartment complex made of reinforced concrete. entitled ‘oggi’, the project has been built on historic land where previous residences boasted red brick boundary walls and intimate japanese gardens. reinterpreting these themes, the design team created two approaches to the site with narrow strips of plantation surrounding the three-storey building. the structure itself is envisioned as a large singular property, rather than a typical set of individual apartments.

narrow gardens surround the three-storey building
photo by koichi torimura

internally, a series of bright volumes are imagined as ‘open rooms’ providing an abundance of daylight and ventilation. these versatile spaces come in various shapes and sizes, and can be utilized freely by their occupants. consequently, adjacent living accommodation does not require artificial lighting, but instead draws light from neighboring ‘open rooms’, which function as lightboxes. spatial continuity is achieved throughout the plan with the application of similar finishes to the floors, walls and ceilings.

rather than a typical apartment building, the three-storey structure is envisioned as a large singular residence
photo by koichi torimura

a series of bright volumes are imagined as ‘open rooms’ providing an abundance of natural daylight
photo by koichi torimura

photos by koichi torimura

living accommodation does not require artificial lighting, but instead draws light from neighboring ‘open rooms’
photo by koichi torimura

red brick walls surround the lower level of the complex
photos by koichi torimura

a moss garden offers an area of greenery within the design
photo by koichi torimura

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project info:

project name: oggi
building type: apartment building
structure: reinforced concrete building of three stories
location: tokyo, japan
architect: makoto yamaguchi design inc.        
site area: 212.11 sqm
total floor area: 377.55 sqm
first floor: 125.85 sqm
second floor: 125.85 sqm    
third floor: 125.85 sqm    
major materials: expanded metal panels, mirrored glass, and red bricks
completed: december 2013
photography: koichi torimura