Architects: APOLLO Architects & Associates
Area: 114 m²
Year: 2015
Photography: Masao Nishikawa
Lead Architect: Satoshi Kurosaki
Structure Engineers: Masaki Structure Institute / Kenta Masaki
Facility Engineers: Naoki Matsumoto
Construction: Yamazen
City: Kawasaki
Country: Japan
Patio House, designed by APOLLO Architects & Associates in Kawasaki, Kanagawa, was created for a DINKS couple with a deep appreciation for architecture. The design highlights a strong contrast between the dark cedar facade and a protruding white volume on the second floor. At the heart of the home is a light-filled patio that serves as a central hub, connecting various rooms and enhancing circulation. Inside, the house blends traditional Japanese elements with modern functionality, featuring a raised dining area, built-in furniture, and indirect lighting that creates a calming atmosphere in the evenings.
Commissioned by a couple with extensive architectural knowledge, the house was envisioned as a personal reflection of their tastes, with the patio space as the focal point. Set in a quiet residential area of Kawasaki, the design emphasizes the visual impact of the exterior through the contrast between the dark cedar strips and the bold white extension on the upper level, creating a distinctive and memorable facade.
While the exterior is more enclosed, the interior opens up around an airy, light-filled patio. This central patio connects the Japanese-style room with tatami mats near the entrance and the main bedroom across from it, creating a seamless flow. A body-care room, adjacent to the bedroom, further enhances the relaxing atmosphere and aids in smooth circulation for daily tasks.
A strip staircase rises from the center of the house, overlooking a stewartia tree planted in the patio. The slanted ceiling made of SPF timber becomes visible, with natural light reflecting off the glass and casting intriguing shadows.
Built-in furniture adjacent to the living space accommodates the owners’ hobbies, with large sliding doors uniting the interior and exterior living areas. The dining kitchen is set on a raised platform, subtly separating it from the living room and adding a theatrical element to the space.
An additional space near the dining kitchen provides a flexible area for reading or hobbies, allowing the residents to enjoy various activities without restriction. At night, indirect lighting changes the ambiance, casting a gentle gradation of light across the ceiling, creating a different atmosphere from the daytime.
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Project Location
Address: Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
