Knot by Apollo Architects & Associates

KNOT by APOLLO Architects and Associates

This rectangular concrete block with a volume protruding from its side is a family home in Tokyo by Japanese studio Apollo Architects & Associates.

KNOT by APOLLO Architects and Associates

Called Knot, the house features a room with a slanted ceiling, which cantilevers out from the main building and is glazed at the front.

KNOT by APOLLO Architects and Associates

Rooms inside are on split levels and the open-plan living space provides step-down access to a dining area and kitchen.

KNOT by APOLLO Architects and Associates

Above this is a bedroom, visible from the living room.

KNOT by APOLLO Architects and Associates

A further two bedrooms and a bathroom are located beneath the living spaces.

KNOT by APOLLO Architects and Associates

Photographs are by Masao Nishikawa.

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KNOT by APOLLO Architects and Associates

The following information is from the architects:


KNOT

The site is situated in a corner on a hill within a residential area in Tokyo. The building was commissioned by a married couple with a husband who loves interior design, photography and mountaineering. It is a compact house that makes use of the half-floor difference in height between the front and back of the site.

KNOT by APOLLO Architects and Associates

The simple exterior reminiscent of a drawer pulled out from a box is composed of concrete and glass. Taking advantage of the difference in height, the spaces in the front and back are connected using the skip floor system.

KNOT by APOLLO Architects and Associates

Positioned adjacent to those spaces are a courtyard and a void space which, together with the skip floor structure that induces a vertical continuity, create a gentle horizontal connection. The alternating courtyard and void afford a sense of depth and expansion to the spaces, allowing for all the floors from the basement to the first to be experienced as one space connected vertically and horizontally.

KNOT by APOLLO Architects and Associates

The spaces into which the client’s Italian and Scandinavian modern furniture collection blends in exquisitely is incredibly rich for a house with a total floor area of 100 square meters and it gives rise to a sensuous and sophisticated world.

KNOT by APOLLO Architects and Associates

Credit Information

Architecture : Satoshi Kurosaki/APOLLO Architects & Associates

Project Outline

Location : Tokyo Japan
Date of Completion : August 2010
Principal Use : Private House

KNOT by APOLLO Architects and Associates

Structure : RC
Site Area: 100.18m2
Total Floor Area : 99.27m2 (50.04m2/1F, 49.23m2/2F)
Design Period : July 2009 – November 2009
Construction Period : March 2010 – August 2010
Structural Engineer : Taro Yokoyama
Mechanical Engineer :-

KNOT by APOLLO Architects and Associates

Material Information
Exterior Finish : Exposed concrete
Floor : Ash Flooring (white painting)
Wall : cloth
Ceiling : Exposed concrete

KNOT by APOLLO Architects and Associates

Click for larger image


See also:

.

Damier by Apollo
Architects & Associates
Flow by Apollo
Architects & Associates
Shift by Apollo
Architects & Associates

Shift by Apollo Architects & Associates

Shift by Apollo Architects and Associates

Japanese studio Apollo Architects & Associates have completed a house in Tokyo, Japan, featuring a white rendered volume sitting on top of a concrete base and no exterior windows.

Shift by Apollo Architects and Associates

Called Shift, the house has been built around a central courtyard where glazed walls provide views into all of the interior spaces on both floors.

Shift by Apollo Architects and Associates

On the ground floor, the living room and kitchen are located on either side of the courtyard.

Shift by Apollo Architects and Associates

There are three bedrooms on the first floor, each with their own balcony and little garden.

Shift by Apollo Architects and Associates

Also on this floor is a yoga room, bathroom and workroom, all of which have views of the internal courtyard.

Shift by Apollo Architects and Associates

Photographs are by Masao Nishikawa.

Shift by Apollo Architects and Associates

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Shift by Apollo Architects and Associates

The information that follows is from the architects:


SHIFT

Surrounding the site in the outskirts of Tokyo is lush green and a slow-paced environment. The building was commissioned by a family composed of the husband who manages an insurance company, the wife who works as a patternmaker and their two children. It was planned as a SOHO, with a space for the yoga classes run by the wife added to the house.

Shift by Apollo Architects and Associates

The distinguishing exterior consists of a wooden volume covered with a luminescent wall sitting on top of a base made of exposed concrete engrained with the texture of Japanese cedar. In sharp contrast to the exterior that is closed to the outside world, an inner courtyard pierces the center of the structure.

Shift by Apollo Architects and Associates

With a hollow center, the house is easy walk around and allows for the presence of family members to be felt from anywhere. The symbolic tree in the courtyard plays a central role in sustaining the equilibrium of the architecture.

Shift by Apollo Architects and Associates

On the ground floor, the living room and dining kitchen face each other across the courtyard while a sculptural staircase is positioned across the courtyard from the entrance. The staircase is symbolic in its presence and gives expansiveness to the spaces together with the courtyard.

Shift by Apollo Architects and Associates

On the first floor, the multi-purpose room is used for yoga classes and for other activities, while small gardens are positioned around bedrooms providing light and openings.

Shift by Apollo Architects and Associates

Incorporating an open-air garden within it, the house makes it possible to fully enjoy the Japanese four seasons. The contrast between the external and the internal will help to keep a fresh mind in everyday life.

Shift by Apollo Architects and Associates

Credit Information
Architecture : Satoshi Kurosaki/APOLLO Architects & Associates

Project Outline
Location : Tokyo
Date of Completion : April 2010
Principal Use : Private House
Structure : RC/1F,Wooden/2F
Site Area: 257.54m2

Shift by Apollo Architects and Associates

Click for larger image

Total Floor Area : 180.20m2 (99.37m2/1F, 80.83m2/2F)
Design Period : March 2009 – July 2009
Construction Period : October 2009 – April 2010
Structural Engineer : Kenta Masaki
Mechanical Engineer :-

Material Information
Exterior Finish : Exposed concrete/1F, photocatalytic paint/2F
Floor : Flooring
Wall : photocatalytic paint
Ceiling : cloth


See also:

.

Damier by Apollo
Architects & Associates
Flow by Apollo
Architects & Associates
More architecture
on Dezeen