Linear Anatomy

By Nitika Agarwal

Photography: Masao Nishikawa; courtesy Apollo Architects

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Ar. Satoshi Kurosaki of Apollo Architects, designs two residences on linear axes in highly populated Tokyo neighbourhoods, with natural light and colour as their mainstay...

Two residences, named ‘Lattice’ and ‘Arrow’ on small plots of 45 sq.mt. and 120 sq. mt. respectively, maximize functionality and a distinctive aesthetic quotient, contextually standing out as the highlight of their dense residential neighbourhoods.  

Lattice House

Lattice House

Lattice House

Lattice, built in a RC frame, and designed for a single resident, sports a un-residence-like, unassuming exterior. The building façade is entirely covered with wooden louvers to ensure utmost privacy without compromising on the view from within.  In fact, the louvers filter gorgeous shades of sunlight, all through the day that lights up the interior spaces enormously, creating an intriguing play of shadows. Designed with minimum intervention and careful selection of material and texture, the house is central to a free-standing staircase, which, with its design and rhythm, instigates a poetic ease within.

Arrow House

Arrow House

Arrow House

Arrow, designed for a photographer and his family, on a subdivided plot of the owner’s parents is built in contrast with the existing old building.  The residence is stark white in appearance and entered at the upper level by a long, straight-lined staircase that also utilizes the depth of the plot. A sharp white, inclined wall along the staircase merges with the oblique roof and is regulated along the north side to let in ample light inside. The skylight runs all along the upper level and also illuminates an attic that is designed as a multi-functional space. The house feels quite spacious with an uninterrupted view of the sky and transparent walls; the white spray-painted walls lending it a distinctive character.  

 

Lattice House

Arrow House

Evidently, the two houses do not reflect a common language in appearance or form. However, they are clearly determined by an inherent design sensibility that is governed by light, material, colour, simplicity and a distinct spatial arrangement. The design exemplifies the versatility of the architect and appears to be a remarkable example in showcasing an idea distinctly, in many ways.