Apollo Architects & Associates create home from stacked volumes in Tokyo

Two cantilevered stacked volumes of contrasting materials form Laxus, a new home designed by Japanese studio Apollo Architects & Associates.

Located on a corner plot in the Ota Ward of Tokyo, the house was designed by Apollo Architects & Associates for a client with a love of walnut wood and contemporary Italian furniture.

The two stacked cubes that comprise the home were designed to "create a continuity between the interior and exterior while ensuring privacy and security," Apollo principal architect Satoshi Kurosaki told Dezeen.

"The exterior materials are different each floor, resulting in a highly abstract building."

The ground floor volumes built from board-formed, exposed concrete, while the upper floor was clad in contrasting black composite lumber.

The upper volume projects over the front of the lower volume, creating a covered entrance to the home and a carport area.

On entering the home, a hallway leads to the master bedroom and children's room. Both these rooms overlook an enclosed terrace with trees and shrubs.

"The building is enclosed by a high concrete wall imprinted with the Japanese cedar formwork used to make it, which blocks views of the interior from the street," Kurosaki explained.

Stairs lead up to the open plan living and kitchen area on the first floor, which has a vaulted ceiling clad in warm walnut wood.

A long skylight runs above the staircase to the north, with integrated louvres to temper the effects of the sun's rays on the internal space.

The living area opens out onto a second enclosed terrace. Large plate glass windows bring natural light from this outdoor space into the living and dining space.

The bathroom on this floor also overlooks the terrace. The bathtub is positioned in front of the window to give views into this green space when bathing.

Founded in 2000 by Kurosaki, Apollo Architects & Associates is based in Tokyo. The studio's previous projects include a home that blurs indoor and outdoor spaces and a residence that is arranged around a series of hidden courtyards.

The photography is by Masao Nishikawa.

Our most popular newsletter, formerly known as Dezeen Weekly. Sent every Thursday and featuring a selection of the best reader comments and most talked-about stories. Plus occasional updates on Dezeen's services and breaking news.

Sent every Tuesday and containing a selection of the most important news highlights. Plus occasional updates on Dezeen's services and breaking news.

A daily newsletter containing the latest stories from Dezeen.

Daily updates on the latest design and architecture vacancies advertised on Dezeen Jobs. Plus occasional news.

Weekly updates on the latest design and architecture vacancies advertised on Dezeen Jobs. Plus occasional news.

News about our Dezeen Awards programme, including entry deadlines and announcements. Plus occasional updates.

News from Dezeen Events Guide, a listings guide covering the leading design-related events taking place around the world. Plus occasional updates.

We will only use your email address to send you the newsletters you have requested. We will never give your details to anyone else without your consent. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link at the bottom of every email, or by emailing us at [email protected].

For more details, please see our privacy notice.

You will shortly receive a welcome email so please check your inbox.

You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link at the bottom of every newsletter.

Single concrete column supports One-Legged House in Japan

Cubo Design Architects celebrates traditional Japanese craft ...

Takeshi Hirobe Architects designs Japanese house to "dance ...

Dezeen Debate features "unsettling" staggered housing on ...

Kengo Kuma nestles staggered housing complex on Japanese ...

Ushijima Architects designs flood-resilient U-House near ...

Sweeping facade animates manga artist's house in Tokyo by ...

Apollo Architects & Associates designs Tokyo home that blurs ...

Visit our comments page | Read ourcomments policy