apollo architects and associates: rouge

‘rouge’ by apollo architects and associates, tokyo, japan
image © koichi torimura

positioned upon a tiny corner lot in a densely developed block in tokyo, japan, ‘rouge’ is a single family residence by
japanese architect satoshi kurosaki of apollo architects and associates. with a career in publishing, the homeowner desired
a home which surrounds with books and favorite objects. constructed with wooden framing, the design maximized the small space
with a built-in gridded bookshelf which covers the entire north facing wall of the home, passing uninterrupted through floor plates
between floor plates of the structure. the lauan plywood becomes the dominant material choice, surfacing the partitions and
floors for a warm and natural coloring.

the ground storey contains individual bedrooms while a steel stair paralleling the continuous shelving unit leads inhabitants
to the first floor which hosts the kitchen and common spaces. an additional matching stair leads to an open loft with a tight ceiling height
on the second level, creating a cozy cave-like environment within the spacious dwelling. a facade of staggered square windows
and skylights introduce natural daylight into the open interior. the bold red exterior establishes its presence while simultaneously
projecting an image of familiarity, complementing the touches of greenery in the district.

bold red exterior
image © koichi torimura

(left) entry hall
(right) gridded bookshelf surfaces north facing wall
images © koichi torimura

ground level entry hall
image © koichi torimura

view to living space from kitchen
image © koichi torimura

living space naturally lit through rectilinear windows in front elevation
image © koichi torimura

‘rouge’ by apollo architects and associates, tokyo, japan
image © koichi torimura

kitchen
image © koichi torimura

kitchen with stair to cave-like loft
image © koichi torimura

loft
image © koichi torimura

view from loft overlooking living space
image © koichi torimura

kitchen and living space illuminated at night
image © koichi torimura

kitchen and loft illuminated at night
image © koichi torimura

exterior at night
images © koichi torimura

aerial view of the block
image © koichi torimura

floor plan / level 0

floor plan / level 1

floor plan / level 2

section

section

section

elevation

elevation

elevation

elevation

project info:

location: bunkyo ward tokyo
date of completion: 2012. 12
principal use: private housing
structure: timber
site area: 55.00m2
total floor area: 73.31 m2 (34.36 m2/1f, 36.43 m2/2f, 2.52 m2/3phf)
structure engineers: denbo nakamura /denkohbo
facility engineers: zenei shimada /shimada architects
construction: honma construction
exterior finish material: mortar
floor materials: styrofoam & concrete slab on grade
wall surface: fire- retardent lauan plywood (white)
ceiling materials: plywood &clear lacquer oil stain