Dezeen Magazine

Cover House by Apollo Associates

Apollo Architects & Associates hides courtyard behind Cover House's metal facade

A windowless wall punctured by a giant void projects from this steel-clad Japanese house near Tokyo, creating a secret "exterior living room".

Located in a dense residential district in Fuchū, Cover House's striking form was designed by Apollo Architects & Associates to create privacy for the residents, while ensuring the interiors have sufficient light levels.

Cover House by Apollo Associates

"The roof and exterior walls are constructed from metallic grey Galvalume, which forms both a structural skin and protects the privacy of the residents, by shielding the first floor from visibility from the street," explained Apollo Architects & Associates.

"A large opening in the roof brings in abundant natural light and makes the compact space feel more expansive."

Cover House by Apollo Associates

Due to a lack of garden space, Apollo Architects & Associates transformed the gap made by the projecting wall into a private courtyard.

Accessed through floor-to-ceiling glass doors on the ground floor, the courtyard features a large outdoor sofa.

"The layout ensures privacy and a peaceful mood. It's hard to believe the street is just on the other side of the wall,” said the architect.

Cover House by Apollo Associates

Cover House's interiors have been designed by Apollo Architects & Associates to resemble an inn, "where family and friends can enjoy a meal at the 'restaurant' below and then relax upstairs".

The ground floor functions as an open-plan kitchen, eating area and a space to entertain guests, and features a black bistro-inspired kitchen island.

Cover House by Apollo Associates

It is flanked by a bright white circulation space, which hosts minimal floating staircases that lead up to a double-height first floor, and a mezzanine level.

The first floor accommodates a living room that looks out onto the surrounding neighbourhood through floor-to-ceiling glazing, and houses two small bedrooms, with a third on the mezzanine level.

Cover House by Apollo Associates

The interiors are complete with pared-back finishes, including wooden cabinetry and walnut flooring that complement the exposed timber structure.

Apollo Architects & Associates also left the structure exposed in its Ark-inspired house, which features a symmetrical layout, and Nord house in Tokyo that boasts a spacious loft that doubles as a children's playroom.

Photography is by Masao Nishikawa.


Project credits:

Architect: Satoshi Kurosaki / Apollo Architects & Associates
Structural engineer: Masaki Structures (Kenta Masaki)
Lighting engineer: Sirius Lighting Office (Hirohito Totsune)
Kitchen design: SieMatic
Interior coordination: Cassina ixc
Construction: Hirano Construction

More images and plans

Ground floor plan of Cover House by Apollo Associates
Ground floor plan
First floor plan Cover House by Apollo Associates
First floor plan
Roof plan of Cover House by Apollo Associates
Roof plan
Sections of Cover House by Apollo Associates
Sections
Cover House by Apollo Associates
Cover House by Apollo Associates
Cover House by Apollo Associates
Cover House by Apollo Associates
Cover House by Apollo Associates
Cover House by Apollo Associates
Cover House by Apollo Associates
Cover House by Apollo Associates
Cover House by Apollo Associates
Cover House by Apollo Associates
Cover House by Apollo Associates
Cover House by Apollo Associates