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Sumit Singhal
Sumit Singhal loves modern architecture. He comes from a family of builders who have built more than 20 projects in the last ten years near Delhi in India. He has recently started writing about the architectural projects that catch his imagination. CALM House in Bunkyo ward, Tokyo by APOLLO Architects & AssociatesDecember 15th, 2013 by Sumit Singhal
Article source: APOLLO Architects & Associates This three-story residence is designed to function not only as a house but as a guesthouse that occasionally accommodates foreign guests and exchange students. It is made of concrete using wood formworks composed of 40mm-wide cedar. The authentic and solid materiality of concrete is contrasted by sharp stainless steel louvers covering the second floor window, and this facade gives a touch of elegance to the streetscape of the neighborhood. Louvers effectively provide security and privacy at the same time.  Image Courtesy © Masao Nishikawa
 Image Courtesy © Masao Nishikawa On the first floor, a Japanese-style room, which is used as guest room, is located in the back. It is attached to a courtyard enveloped in exposed concrete walls with inscribed horizontal patterns of cedar formworks. By opening the sliding doors, it is seamlessly connected to open space facing the street.  Image Courtesy © Masao Nishikawa The first floor can be used as a large open space welcoming many guests on occasions such as lectures, parties and more. Toilets and bathrooms for guests are located next to the entrance hall. A soundproof music studio is located at the end of the entrance hall. It is illuminated with soft natural light from the courtyard filtering through the translucent glass facade.  Image Courtesy © Masao Nishikawa On the second floor, main bedroom and child’s room are located adjacent to the courtyard. Each room has a private courtyard and individual or common bathroom attached. One of the key design concepts is to respect privacy of the family and guests to achieve comfortable and relaxing life styles.  Image Courtesy © Masao Nishikawa Spacious family room with an attached bathroom is provided on the third floor. By fully opening up wide stainless steel windows, the interior space is integrated with the courtyard of exposed concrete. One can access the roof balcony by exterior stairs from the third floor.  Image Courtesy © Masao Nishikawa Our goal is to create an ultimate space for relaxation, like a hotel lobby or a salon, where one can feel free to enjoy himself/herself and appreciate elegant Joseon Dynasty-style furniture and art works that are placed here and there. The interior and the exterior merge into each other at intermediate zones, and the host and the guests gather in harmony. This very atmosphere represents the warm welcoming hospitality of the Japanese culture.  Image Courtesy © Masao Nishikawa  Image Courtesy © Masao Nishikawa  Image Courtesy © Masao Nishikawa  Image Courtesy © Masao Nishikawa  Image Courtesy © Masao Nishikawa  Image Courtesy © Masao Nishikawa  Image Courtesy © Masao Nishikawa  Image Courtesy © Masao Nishikawa
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Tags: Bunkyo ward, Tokyo Categories: Guest House, House |
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