naoya kawabe architect & associates: LUZ shirokane

‘LUZ shirokane’ by naoya kawabe architect & associates in tokyo, japan all images courtesy naoya kawabe architect & associates image © akinobu kawabe

japanese practice naoya kawabe architect & associates has sent us images of ‘LUZ shirokane’, a multi-storey housing complex in tokyo, japan. contrary to conventional layouts where the area of the individual units are maximized, the building inserts a generously-sized common space at the core of its design to encourage a level of communication and transparency between the tenants.

street view image © akinobu kawabe

situated on a tight site flanked by adjacent structures, the complex stands as a monolithic concrete form with clean lines and a tapering roof. the elevations are punctuated with a series of rectangular-faced windows that do not distinguish between units and communal spaces. tucked away from the street, the main entrance is placed down a private pathway that is generated by the set-back footprint of the building.

exterior elevation image © akinobu kawabe

seamlessly integrated into the circulation of each storey is a common space that every unit gains access through. conceived at a scale similar to the apartments, the neutral area is spatially more easily occupied than a conventional hallway. large internal windows look out onto this space, visually extending the individual residences while further reinforcing a sense of community between inhabitants. specific furniture pieces, such as a long table with stools, encourage group activities to take place throughout the building.

(left) entrance passageway (right) interior view of ground floor unit images © akinobu kawabe