FOO / APOLLO Architects & Associates

Architects: APOLLO Architects & Associates
Area: 120 m²
Year: 2007
Photography: Masao Nishikawa
Lead Architect: Satoshi Kurosaki
Structure Engineers: Masaki Structures / Kenta Masaki
Facility Engineers: Shimada Architects / Zenei Shimada
Construction: JP Home
City: Yokohama
Country: Japan

FOO, designed by APOLLO Architects & Associates in 2007, is a two-family residence in Yokohama. The home features a concrete and wood lattice facade, with a central garden visible from the living room. The second floor, designed for the son’s family, connects to the lower level through an open ceiling, fostering interaction. A shared rooftop terrace provides scenic views, while wooden lattices balance privacy and openness.

Situated in a quite residential area on plateau, the house blends with the surrounding landscape. The facade combines exposed concrete with Serangan Batu wood lattices, integrating harmoniously with the townscape and greenery.

The couple, fond of golf and gardening, wanted a garden visible from the central living room on the first floor. They also sought a continuous flow between the east and west sides of the house, while maintaining privacy. The combination of solid teak ceilings and floors with high-strength concrete creates a balanced contrast, unified by walnut fixtures and oak furniture.

The son’s family space is located on the second floor, connected to the first floor through an open ceiling to promote family interaction. Despite its closed exterior, the interior feels light and airy, with the dining kitchen on the first floor illuminated by high side windows in the open ceiling.

The roof balcony, accessible from the second-floor bedroom and children’s room, leads to a shared roof terrace, offering views of the surrounding town. Wooden lattices and plantings ensure privacy while allowing for an open, urban living experience.