Apollo: Patio House

The exterior confined expression hides an airy patio space filled with natural light that rests inside as the core of the interior spaces of this house designed by Apollo Architects in Kawasaki.

Apollo Architects & Associates, Patio House, Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
Apollo Architects were commissioned by a couple with profound knowledge of architectural design, who acquired a lot within a quiet residential area in Kawasaki-city, Kanagawa, to design their residence with a patio space.
The contrast between the exterior wall covered with red cedar strip flooring pieces in dark brown color and the white volume stuck out at the second floor level promotes striking impression of the exterior design.
Apollo Architects & Associates, Patio House, Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
Apollo Architects & Associates, Patio House, Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan

In contrast to the exterior with confined expression, an airy patio space filled with natural light rests inside as the core of the interior spaces. This patio space enables easy and casual access between the Japanese-style room with tatami mats adjacent to the entrance, and the main bedroom situated opposite to the Japanese-style room across the patio. A body-care room is provided continuous to the open area next to the bathroom, in order to provide a unified space with relaxing atmosphere as well as a smooth circulation for housework.

Going up the strip stairs at the center overlooking the stewartia monadelpha planted in the patio, an impressive slanted ceiling surface constructed with SPF timber becomes visible. The glass surface reflects the natural light from the patio space, producing attractive shades on the ceiling surface.

Apollo Architects & Associates, Patio House, Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
Apollo Architects & Associates, Patio House, Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan

Built-in furniture is provided next to the living space for storing books and record disks for hobby use, while large sliding doors are installed for the unity of this area with the exterior living area. The dining kitchen area is situated on a raised floor, allowing gradual separation of the dining kitchen from the living area, along with some theatrical aspect of the space.

An extra space is provided next to the dining kitchen area for spending spare time. Indirect lighting at night gives a different atmosphere from daytime by illuminating the ceiling with gradation of light.


Patio House, Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
Program: single-family house
Architects: Apollo Architects & Associates (Satoshi Kurosaki)
Structural Engineer: Masaki Structure (Kenta Masaki)
Mechanical Engineer: Naoki Matsumoto
Lighting design: Sirius Lighting Office
Area: 175.21 sqm
Completion: 2015

Latest on Architecture

Latest on Domus

Read more
China Germany India Mexico, Central America and Caribbean Sri Lanka Korea icon-camera close icon-comments icon-down-sm icon-download icon-facebook icon-heart icon-heart icon-next-sm icon-next icon-pinterest icon-play icon-plus icon-prev-sm icon-prev Search icon-twitter icon-views icon-instagram