architects atelier ryo abe: ‘wishing well’
all images courtesy of architects atelier ryo abe
architects atelier ryo abe design a cyclone of spaces defined by canted walls, ceilings, and screens, reminiscent of falling books on sparsely filled shelves. the storage spaces wrap their way through ‘wishing well,’ a tokyo home that ascends through the ground-floor atelier to the house above. replicating the depths of an abyss, dark wood is used to finish the studio and winding staircase. shelves are densely spaced, adding visual weight to increase the effect of the almost baroque swirl of the central void. the interior palette is comprised of white ceiling and neutral hues which continue the metaphor of the otherworldly well space. a contrasting wall on the inside of the stair evokes the idea of a coin reflecting light into the depths of the wishing chamber. sinuous circulation characterizes the center of the space, bolstered by planes of glass curtainwalls that help the house receives maximum daylight illumination. the combination of oblique planes, choice apertures and smartly composed glazing creates a slightly surrealist albeit ideal space for living and working.
(left): angled walls enclose the corridor
(right): glass curtainwalls work with the oblique planes allow light to flood the space
(left):the stair ends with a sculptural element
(right): view of the atelier from inside the stair
the stair twists and turns in the middle of the space, leaving walls free for maximum shelving
the dichotomy of the home and atelier are in stark contrast to one another
(left): the wishing well is also a light well
(right): study area on the ground floor is illuminated
the play of light and shadow through the space give solid walls texture
upstairs, framing members are less densely arranged to give the space lightness
view of the atelier from the central stair
the atelier consists of a variety of workspaces
sloping walls and rooves impel movement through the house
project info:
location: tokyo
program: house & atelier
site area: 200.58sqm
built area: 77.11sqm
total floor area: 142.09sqm
1f area: 71.08sqm
2f area: 71.01sqm
