The building is located on a flag-shaped plot near the apex of a triangular block, with a certain degree of open space toward the main road to the south.
The c-shaped design was a practical decision to allow the residents to access their apartments through a common alley that leads right to the center of the complex. The wall on the entrance side was curved to provide maximum space on the outside, while guaranteeing sufficient volume for each apartment unit and wall length to fit 8 entrance doors. The resulting little square avoids giving the impression of a narrow and dark dead end, and allows the residents to rotate their motorcycle easily.
The walls separating each apartment unit were disposed in a radial pattern, each with a gentle curve that leads them to meet the external wall at a right angle. By connecting the angles of each room, the curved walls contribute to give the impression of a more spacious environment. The entire structure is designed as an extension of the road, smoothly following the movement of its residents as they drive through the alley, enter the central square, park their motorcycle in the garage and move upstairs to their living quarters.
About the use of curved walls.
The building is a reinforced concrete structure composed of seven walls and a slab. The main characteristic of the structure lies in the fact that the reinforced walls, composed of an in-plane rigid frame of columns and beams, were disposed in a radial pattern. The walls rely on the transfer of horizontal force from the slabs instead of using perpendicular beams. They are in fact vertical cantilevers fixed in the foundation of the building. Although the centrally-oriented radial displacement is vulnerable to rotational forces, the changing angles of each wall reinforce the structure’s resistance.
CREDITS.-
Main architect.- Yuji Nakae, Akiyoshi Takagi, Hirofumi Ohno.
Team collaborators.- Komorebi design, FUZZY, CO., LTD (Constructor).
Date project.- Construction: June 2007 - December 2007. Design Period: December 2006 - May 2007.
Surface.- 201.89 m2 (Site Area), 96.34 m2 (Building Area), 289.02 m2 (Total Floor Area), 96.34 m2 (Ground Level), 96.34 m2 (2nd Level), 96.34m2 (3rd Level).
Structure.- Reinforced Concrete and Steel, 3 stories. Maximum Height: 8.05 m.
Site.- Suginami, Tokyo, Japan.
