ikeda yukie ono toshiharu architects designs sandwich apartment

japanese practice ikeda yukie ono toshiharu architects designs ‘sandwich apartment’
all images by koichi torimura

designed by japanese practice ikeda yukie ono toshiharu architects, sandwich apartment is located in the suburbs of tokyo, japan. the client wanted the option for visitors to stay at his house, therefore privacy and noise reduction was a factor in the distinctive end design. the architects decided for the residence to be divided into three separate units, each supporting the other but sitting contrasting heights. the client’s bedroom is in the middle, sitting on the second floor, from the outside it is suspended mid-air and reinforced on both sides by the two other apartments. the space underneath will be used for social gatherings. the design illustrates a strong sense of verticality, where each residential unit have their own terraces that ascend north to south to take advantage of the sunlight but also, to add a social aspect. the interior is cleverly arranged to utilize all the space available, a common design element in japanese architecture.

sandwich apartment from the outside

side view

simple interiors

rooms lit by natural light

outdoor terraces of each unit

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