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Shift by Apollo Architects and Associates

Shift by Apollo Architects & 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

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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:

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