mejiro studio: SMG

‘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.

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.

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.

long elevation image © koichi torimura

wrap-around windows image © koichi torimura

entrance image © koichi torimura

interior view of ground unit image © koichi torimura

image © koichi torimura

curved walls from the interior image © koichi torimura

by the outdoor terrace image © koichi torimura

bathroom image © koichi torimura

image © koichi torimura

interior wall partitions image © koichi torimura

view of kitchen image © koichi torimura

kitchen unit image © koichi torimura

circulation space image © koichi torimura

views of stairs images © koichi torimura

landing with access to units image © koichi torimura

view from window image © koichi torimura

pockets of space image © koichi torimura

night view image © koichi torimura

image © koichi torimura

floor plan / level 0

floor plan / level +1

floor 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