‘SMG’ by mejiro studio in huchu-shi, tokyo, japan all images courtesy mejiro studio image © koichi torimura

japanese architecture practice mejiro studio has sent us images of ‘SMG’, a three-storey apartment complex in the suburbs of tokyo, japan. featuring an undulating exterior surface, the design establishes a strong identity on the vague scenery of the site while generating alternative interior spaces in pockets and curving nooks.

mejiro studio: SMG within context image © koichi torimura

striking in its form, the apartment complex contrasts itself from the visual nature of the suburbs. generously sized windows wrap around the curved surface, resulting in a playful and dynamic exterior expression. outdoor terraces remain sheltered within the general volume of the building, maintaining a sense of continuity in the envelope.

mejiro studio: SMG street view image © koichi torimura

planned at a 45 degree angle, the interior space of the apartment units are strongly shaped by the undulating wall. pushed in and pulled out, a number of organically-shaped cavities become a place for small programs, such as the bathroom or terrace. the skewed layout also prevents unwanted views from the neighbourhood while also providing an immense structural support for the whole complex. arranged in an open-concept scheme, the units benefit from an extended sense of space created by the curving wall.

mejiro studio: SMG long elevation image © koichi torimura

mejiro studio: SMG wrap-around windows image © koichi torimura

mejiro studio: SMG entrance image © koichi torimura

mejiro studio: SMG interior view of ground unit image © koichi torimura

mejiro studio: SMG image © koichi torimura

mejiro studio: SMG curved walls from the interior image © koichi torimura

mejiro studio: SMG by the outdoor terrace image © koichi torimura

mejiro studio: SMG bathroom image © koichi torimura

mejiro studio: SMG image © koichi torimura

mejiro studio: SMG interior wall partitions image © koichi torimura

mejiro studio: SMG view of kitchen image © koichi torimura

mejiro studio: SMG kitchen unit image © koichi torimura

mejiro studio: SMG circulation space image © koichi torimura

mejiro studio: SMG views of stairs images © koichi torimura

mejiro studio: SMG landing with access to units image © koichi torimura

mejiro studio: SMG view from window image © koichi torimura

mejiro studio: SMG pockets of space image © koichi torimura

mejiro studio: SMG night view image © koichi torimura

mejiro studio: SMG image © koichi torimura

mejiro studio: SMGfloor plan / level 0

mejiro studio: SMGfloor plan / level +1

mejiro studio: SMGfloor plan / level +2

project info:

site area: 403.75 m2 total floor area: 499.50 m2 building system: concrete structure structural engineer: structural design office PLUS ONE contractor: okuda kensetsu