‘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 - 2 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 - 3 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 - 4 long elevation image © koichi torimura

mejiro studio: SMG - 5 wrap-around windows image © koichi torimura

mejiro studio: SMG - 6 entrance image © koichi torimura

mejiro studio: SMG - 7 interior view of ground unit image © koichi torimura

mejiro studio: SMG - 8 image © koichi torimura

mejiro studio: SMG - 9 curved walls from the interior image © koichi torimura

mejiro studio: SMG - 10 by the outdoor terrace image © koichi torimura

mejiro studio: SMG - 11 bathroom image © koichi torimura

mejiro studio: SMG - 12 image © koichi torimura

mejiro studio: SMG - 13 interior wall partitions image © koichi torimura

mejiro studio: SMG - 14 view of kitchen image © koichi torimura

mejiro studio: SMG - 15 kitchen unit image © koichi torimura

mejiro studio: SMG - 16 circulation space image © koichi torimura

mejiro studio: SMG - 17 views of stairs images © koichi torimura

mejiro studio: SMG - 18 landing with access to units image © koichi torimura

mejiro studio: SMG - 19 view from window image © koichi torimura

mejiro studio: SMG - 20 pockets of space image © koichi torimura

mejiro studio: SMG - 21 night view image © koichi torimura

mejiro studio: SMG - 22 image © koichi torimura

mejiro studio: SMG - 23floor plan / level 0

mejiro studio: SMG - 24floor plan / level +1

mejiro studio: SMG - 25floor 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