Architects: APOLLO Architects & Associates
Area: 111 m²
Year: 2015
Photography: Masao Nishikawa
Lead Architect: Satoshi Kurosaki
Structure Engineers: Masaki Structures / Kenta Masaki
Facility Engineers: Naoki Matsumoto
Construction: Yamazen Kensetsu
City: Suginami
Country: Japan
Ark, a residential project by APOLLO Architects & Associates completed in 2015, is located in a quiet area of Tokyo and designed for a university-employed couple. The house prioritizes privacy while maintaining an open living environment, featuring symmetrically placed courtyards that bring in natural light and ensure airflow throughout. The second-floor box-shaped structure extends toward the street, creating a protected front yard that opens to the living and dining areas. High ceilings with exposed rafters, built-in furniture, and a balanced layout give the home a serene, church-like feel. The name ‘Ark’ reflects the building’s form, inspired by Noah’s Ark.
The couple requested two equal, private dens, along with a design that provided an open yet secluded living space. The courtyards are strategically placed on the north and south sides, ensuring each room, whether private or shared, remains connected to the outdoors. The thoughtful layout of the residence ensures that the balance between private and communal spaces is achieved without compromising the overall openness of the home.
The second-floor box volume extends toward the street, creating a sheltered front yard for the living and dining areas. Louver boards of galvanized steel protect the interior from passersby. The couple’s private dens and the children’s rooms are located at the back, with built-in furniture optimizing the narrow layout. Soft light from the courtyard fills each room, fostering a sense of connection between family members even in private spaces.
The living, dining, and kitchen areas are on the second floor, under a high, gabled roof exposed double rafters, creating rhythmic shading and a church-like formality. Symmetry in the built-in furniture, kitchen, and staircase enhances this atmosphere. The children’s room has roof access, and the building’s name ‘Ark’ reflects its resemblance to Noah’s Ark.
Project Gallery
Project Location
Address: Suginami, Tokyo, Japan
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
