Architects: APOLLO Architects & Associates
Area: 125 m²
Year: 2015
Photography: Masao Nishikawa
Lead Architect: Satoshi Kurosaki
Structure Engineers: Nomura Structures / Motoi Nomura
Construction: Seiwa Kensetsu
City: Obu
Country: Japan
Gaze, designed by APOLLO Architects & Associates in 2015, is a hybrid residence and gallery located in Obu City, Aichi Prefecture. The structure features a reinforced concrete and glass podium on the ground floor, with two upper wooden levels. The cantilevered second floor creates a pilotis-style garage beneath, while the partially sunken ground-floor gallery utilizes indirect light to showcases the client’s contemporary art collection. The upper floors contain private living spaces, including a family room designed to double as additional gallery space when needed. The design carefully balances the need for privacy and art display, with minimal exterior openings.
The building combines reinforced concrete and glass on the ground level with wooden boxes forming the upper floors. As the structure rises, the upper levels expand outward, with galvanized steel siding on the second and third floors contrasting with the glazed base. The thoughtful combination of materials and structural forms enhances the dual-purpose nature of the residence, allowing it to function as both a home and an art gallery.
The second floor is cantilevered, allowing for a pilotis-style garage below. The fully glazed podium enhances visibility of the gallery space, which is semi-sunken to create a magnetic effect. A concrete partition inside the gallery blocks direct sunlight, allowing the art to be appreciated under reflected light.
A staircase leads to the residence’s entrance. The second floor contains private spaces and a water section, while the third floor houses a family room. Natural light enters through skylights and the balcony, softening the atmosphere.
The family room, finished in muted tones and simple furniture, can be transformed into an additional gallery space, allowing the client to live among their art collection while maintaining privacy. The use of interior balconies and minimal external openings furthers this sense of privacy.
Project Gallery
Project Location
Address: Obu, Aichi Prefecture, Japan
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
