Apollo Architects

The Japanese architecture firm Apollo Architects has recently presented its new unusual Lift house in the residential district of downtown Sendai, Japan. This futuristic three-storeyed house is characterized by seamless geometric volumes and an impenetrable façade. It stands out among the crowd of the quiet houses in the neighborhood. The main outstanding feature is the protruding upper floor which offers some shade and protection to the cars parked below it. This space is available for the parking zone for two cars. The most of the light comes from the unusual façade but also through the inner private terrace, found inside the house. The interior is characterized by large open spaces arranged around a central courtyard. Dark louvers on the slanted facade act as a shield to the residence, providing views outwards but not in.

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Called Shift, the house in Tokyo was designed by Japanese studio Apollo Architects & Associates. The unusual house's exterior looks cold and unwelcoming, because there are no windows outside. But it’s only an appearance, as passers-by are unaware about original design idea. It turns out that inside the space of the house is situated a small internal courtyard. And inner walls are totally made of glass that provides views into all of the interior spaces on both floors. Everything in the house aimed at supporting balance and harmony. You can see the plan of the rooms on the picture below. There is even a yoga room on the first floor. The symbolic tree in the courtyard plays a central role in sustaining the equilibrium of the architecture and allows to take pleasure the Japanese four seasons.

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