One hundred years ago, following the “Great Kanto Earthquake”—a massive earthquake that struck Tokyo in Taisho 12 (1923)—the number of people seeking to move to Okusawa in Setagaya Ward, where this project is located, surged. Perceived as a safer, greener “garden city” compared to the city center, the area saw rapid residential development. Thanks to its convenient access to downtown Tokyo, it has long been a popular residential neighborhood.
We sought to blend into Okusawa’s tranquil streetscape and lush green neighborhoods, creating a building that appears as though it had stood there for generations. The site is located on a river terrace overlooking the Nomigawa River, which flows through the Musashino Plateau stretching west of Tokyo. The view from the site across the Nomigawa River toward Megurodai to the east is a rare and valuable feature not easily found in surrounding residential areas. To fully capitalize on this unique characteristic of the site, each unit is equipped with an east-facing picture window which frames the outdoor scenery like a painting.
The six units, each with a distinct floor plan, all feature openings facing multiple directions, creating living spaces where residents can fully experience the shifting natural light and the flow of the breeze. Furthermore, residents can enjoy a lifestyle that blurs the boundaries between indoors and outdoors, thanks to features such as a built-in garage that connects to the dry area and lush rooftop balconies that extend from the living room, dining room, or bedrooms.
The 11-meter-high entrance hall features a permanent installation of a three-dimensional artwork by the emerging artist collective “LERCTURE ROOM 7.” This residential complex also serves as a gallery open to the local community of culturally engaged residents.
Team:
Architect aat+makoto yokomizo architects, inc.
Photo1 imagegram inc.
Photo2 Shigeo Ogawa
Construction Ogawa Corporation
Structural Design A.S.Associates
Facilities Designer Kato Mechanical & Electrical Design
Lighting Designer Izumi Okayasu Lighting Design Office
Landscape Designer GA yamazaki
Art Object Creation LERCTURE ROOM 7
