sasaki architecture + atelier O construct concrete apartment complex in tokyo

sasaki architecture + atelier O construct concrete apartment complex in tokyo
image by takumi ota

japanese architects ryuichi sasaki and rieko okumura, and their respective practices sasaki architecture and atelier O, have completed a four-storey apartment building containing just 12 units. named after its developer, ‘modelia days nakanobu’ occupies a commercial neighborhood in the outskirts of tokyo. the district’s diverse urban fabric is occupied by bathhouses, newsstands, and markets. in order to fit in, the building’s scale responds to these adjacent structures.

square openings become more spread out as the structure rises
image by bauhaus neo

square openings in the concrete façade are positioned closer together at the base of the building, becoming more spread out as the structure rises. this is intended to reduce the weighty external appearance of the monolithic building. internal space is connected to the bustling surroundings through these apertures, two of which project outwards towards the street. framed with galvanized steel, these protruding elements both channel views and cast dramatic shadows onto the otherwise restrained concrete façade.

two apertures project outwards towards the street
image by bauhaus neo

a pathway ensures an appropriate distance from the passing street, giving privacy to the secluded entrance. inside, the scheme includes a simple material palette of exposed concrete and plain white walls. the design seeks to promote a lifestyle independent of material possessions, with only a few elements provided: a kitchen counter, a desk, and a modest set of independent walls replacing the need for a closet. in order to save space, a single sink serves both cooking and hand-washing needs.

framed with galvanized steel, the protruding elements cast dramatic shadows
image by bauhaus neo

the scheme includes a simple material palette of exposed concrete and plain white walls
image by takumi ota

the design seeks to promote a lifestyle independent of material possessions
image by takumi ota

a modest set of independent walls replaces the need for a closet
image by takumi ota

a single sink serves both cooking and hand-washing needs
image by takumi ota

wooden floors are found throughout
image by takumi ota

a concrete staircase connects the complex
image by takumi ota

the square motif is repeated internally
image by takumi ota

a pathway gives privacy to the secluded entrance
image by bauhaus neo

the four-storey apartment building contains just 12 units
image by bauhaus neo

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project info:

name: modelia days nakanobu
architects: ryuichi sasaki/sasaki architecture + rieko okumura/atelier O
design team: ryuichi sasaki, rieko okumura, gen sakaguchi, michal rogozinski
producer: modelia co.,ltd
light design: natsuha kameoka / lighting sou
contractor: magome construction company
client: shuko kensetsu co.,ltd
location: shinagawa-ku, tokyo, japan
area: 331.19 sqm
construction dates: january, 2015 – february, 2016
photography: takumi ota, bauhaus neo