Architects: APOLLO Architects & Associates
Area: 144 m²
Year: 2015
Photography: Masao Nishikawa
Lead Architect: Satoshi Kurosaki
Structure Engineers: Masaki Structures / Kenta Masaki
Facility Engineers: Naoki Matsumoto
Construction: Tsuyuki Kensetsu
City: Setagaya
Country: Japan
Grigio, designed by APOLLO Architects & Associates in 2015, is a 144 m² residence created for a couple in a quite neighborhood. The house features exposed concrete and bronze-tinted glass, giving it a modern, refined aesthetic. Its L-shaped design encloses a central courtyard, allowing natural light to flood the interior. The home is thoughtfully arranged, with a basement that includes a second living room and a bedroom for their daughter, while the first floor houses the main bedroom and a two-car garage. On the second floor, an elegant living space overlooks the courtyard, blending modern art with contemporary furniture.
The couple, both working for foreign companies, chose the site in a peaceful residential area to build a home that could accommodate the husband’s extensive modern art collection and his car. The design reflects their lifestyle, with the layout emphasizing openness and privacy, while also creating a harmonious connection between the indoor spaces and the outdoor courtyard. This careful balance of functionality and aesthetic appeal makes the residence uniquely suited to their needs.
The exterior uses exposed reinforced concrete and bronze-tinted glass, while the L-shaped interior surrounds a courtyard filled with natural light.
Natural light from the courtyard and dry area brightens the basement, which includes a bedroom for their daughter and a casual second living room, designed to feel like a cafe or library.
The first floor contains the main bedroom, storage, and a two-car open garage. The second floor features a formal living, dining, and kitchen space for entertaining guests, along with bathrooms. All rooms face the courtyard for privacy.
The living/dining/kitchen area features chic gray and beige tones, with a glossy kitchen, built-in storage, and Italian modern furniture. Artworks by Mika Ninagawa add vibrant accents, enhancing the space’s character.
A view of a symbolic tree through the picture window brings in nature, while diffused light from high windows and skylights creates subtle shifts in the gray tones. The home, resembling a small urban art museum, connects the everyday with the extraordinary through its interaction with nature and art.
Project Gallery
Project Location
Address: Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
