Cave

Tokyo, Japan

Photo © Masao Nishikawa

Single Houses

Architects: APOLLO / Satoshi Kurosaki

Location: Tokyo, Japan
Year: 2014

A residence for a single person in a quiet residential area in Kagurazaka, Tokyo. The exterior walls are made of dark brown galvalume steel sheet with a long horizontal thatched roof, in harmony with the atmosphere of the flower street surrounded by a blackboard fence. Hot-dip galvanized steel sheet was used for the exterior walls next to the entrance and around the garage, creating a playful contrast by combining different steel sheets. The exterior is symbolized by the panoramic corner windows that take advantage of the corner lot characteristics, horizontally cutting off the street-side view and adding depth and spaciousness to the compact interior.

The basement is used as a wine cellar with custom-made racks, sofas, a study, bookshelves, and an electronic drum. On the second floor, a spacious open kitchen for the owner, who loves to cook, and a walnut dining table for many guests were built. On the third floor, there is a bathroom and toilet, a master bedroom, and a small tsuboniwa (small garden). The house can be enjoyed by moving up and down the four levels via the central strip staircase. Natural light pours in through skylights, high windows, and corner windows, and scenes of the cityscape and sky cut out by the various openings accentuate the interior spaces, creating a sense of breadth and depth that one would not expect from an urban residence.