Architects: APOLLO Architects & Associates
Area: 123 m²
Year: 2006
Photography: Masao Nishikawa
Lead Architect: Satoshi Kurosaki
Structure Engineers: Masuda Structure Institute / Hiroyuki Masuda
Facility Engineers: Shimada Architects / Zenei Shimada
Construction: Ryozo Kimura Construction
City: Shinagawa
Country: Japan
Switch Residence, designed by APOLLO Architects & Associates, replaces an 85-year-old eel restaurant in Ohi area, Shinagawa ward, Tokyo. The new reinforced concrete (RC) structure houses a shop on the ground floor and a residence above. The design incorporates exposed concrete with cedar framing, paying homage to the restaurant’s long history, while the upper floors feature natural light and cedar interiors. Completed in 2006, this redesign has not only preserved the restaurant’s legacy but has also attracted new customers, making it a notable landmark in the area.
The project arose from the need to rebuild the restaurant after a road expansion reduced the size of the site. With a frontage of 20 meters and a depth ranging from 2 to 6 meters, the design presented unique challenges. The solution involved constructing an RC-structured shop and residence without street-facing ground-level openings, using the large facade for visibility. The renewal was part of the owner’s plan to modernize the space in preparation for the restaurant’s 100th anniversary.
The exterior walls are made of exposed concrete framed with cedar boards, reminiscent of a traditional black cedar fence, reflecting the long-standing dignity of the restaurant. The upper floor contrast this with a flat white plaster finish, further emphasized by a 4.5-meter cantilever, which accentuates the horizontal volume. Wooden vertical bars run horizontally, shielding the residence from view while maintaining an elegant appearance.
For residential portion, plaster walls, ceilings, and solid red cedar boards were used to address concerns about sick house syndrome, particularly for children with allergies. Natural light from high horizontal windows is reflected off the ceiling, creating a soft glow throughout the room. A loft in the children’s room maintains a connection to the living and dining areas. The rooftop, accessible via a balcony on the south side, provides a private outdoor space.
The redesigned shop on the first floor now has a bright and welcoming atmosphere, attracting a younger clientele, including women and children, while still catering to loyal customers. The building has become a new landmark in the area undergoing redevelopment.
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Project Location
Address: Ohi, Shinagawa, Tokyo 140-0014, Japan
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
