A machine room in Tokyo transformed into a double-level penthouse

G Architects Studio renovates the top floor of a building from the Seventies, enhancing the existing structure and making concrete a key element of the space. 

Almost a combination of a machine room and a residence: Tokyo Penthouse is located in Tokyo, on the top floor of a 1978 pencil building. A very common architectural typology in the Japanese capital, the pencil building is constructed on a small area due to high land prices. 

Azabu Penthouse
G Architects Studio, Tokyo Penthouse. Photo © Daisuke Shima

The top floor is not commonly used as a home because of its small size, but G Architects Studio transformed a traditional machine room into a functional, light-filled duplex penthouse. The renovation has left visible some elements of the original environment, such as pipes and concrete walls. 

Azabu Penthouse
G Architects Studio, Tokyo Penthouse. Photo © Daisuke Shima

The plumbing, which could not be removed because it is connected to the neighbouring flats, was covered with copper; the concrete walls, repaired, treated and painted, deliberately show all their imperfections and underline the structure’s industrial character. Cement is also used for the bathroom floor and the staircase, featuring a wooden handrail.

Azabu Penthouse
G Architects Studio, Tokyo Penthouse. Photo © Daisuke Shima

The 93 square metre flat occupies the fifth and sixth floors of the building, and overlooks the city. The first level has a bedroom and a bathroom located in the centre of the space, bordered by glass walls that make the room bright and permeable. The second floor is reserved for the living area, with kitchen, living room and a terrace with a panoramic view. The interior sliding window is made of rust-stained coloured glass producing colorful light effects.

Project:
Tokyo Penthouse
Location:
Tokyo, Japan
Program:
Private apartment
Architects:
G Architects Studio
Product designer:
Yuma Kano
Area:
93 sqm
Completion:
2020

Latest on Interiors

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