apollo architects enhances nord house's asymmetric ceiling with exposed timber rafters

apollo architects enhances nord house’s asymmetric ceiling with exposed timber rafters
photography by masao nishikawa

taken from the idyllic designs by alvar alto, the client asked apollo architects to design his family home in japan with influences from the small churches he saw during his travels to northern europe. named ‘nord’, the flag-shaped property (a rectangular site with a pole-like narrow path) focuses on using timber to give the spaces inside warmth and intimacy, most noticeably on the ceilings. the property is surrounded by neighboring properties all round, and with the awkward site, this presented strict regulated setback from three directions, which in turn has created the asymmetric form of the roof.
 

the dramatic angle of the ceiling is enhanced by the vertical positioning of the timber louvers

characterized by the exposed rafters which have been constructed in pairs using SPF lumber, the sloped ceiling visually enhances the sharp angle, while giving the interiors a boldness and an interesting aspect. natural light softly diffuses from a narrow skylight and through the rafters, giving the living/dining room a steady stream of illumination. with the private living areas arranged on the first floor, the expansive loft space at the top has no walls, but instead uses a thin handrail to define the space and evoke a feeling of weightlessness. at night, a completely different atmosphere is achieved through the cove lights that are installed in between the timber rafters- emphasizing the dramatic expression.

cantilevered, floating staircase takes you up the second floor

the loft space has no walls to create a feeling of weightlessness

natural light diffuses into the interior spaces

the property has been designed for the client’s family with two daughters

cove lighting gives the space a different atmosphere at night