Fudomae Apartment with Six Voids

A Unique Design Solution for Tokyo's Dense Urban Environment

The Fudomae Apartment with Six Voids, designed by Akira Koyama, is a remarkable example of innovative architecture that addresses the challenges of Tokyo's tight urban spaces. This complex apartment building features six vertical voids that bring in natural light and airflow, creating a welcoming and comfortable living environment for its residents.

A five-storey apartment complex with 14 units, the Fudomae Apartment was developed on a relatively deep parcel of land with limited frontage in central Tokyo. The main focus of the design was to maximize the supply of daylight and airflow throughout the building while maintaining density to enhance rental value. To achieve this, the design incorporated several voids, including one to meet local evacuation requirements and additional voids to improve natural ventilation.

One of the key challenges in designing the Fudomae Apartment was the limited access to daylight on the lower floors due to neighboring buildings. To overcome this, the corners of each volume were notched, creating voids in front of the neighboring properties. Window openings facing these voids provide effective daylight access that meets building code requirements.

The design also prioritized privacy and aesthetics. The street facade rises four storeys as a structural wall with a water-jet chipped finish, providing robust privacy for the sleeping quarters behind it. The windows of the street-side voids are effectively set back, and the roughened wall draws attention, enhancing window privacy.

Extruded cement panels were used for the walls above the outdoor passage to reduce the load. This distinctive expression of the street facade adds visual interest and complements the overall design concept. The result is a building that not only meets functional requirements but also stands out as a unique and visually appealing structure.

The Fudomae Apartment with Six Voids is not only a design solution for Tokyo's dense urban environment but also a response to the changing needs of residents. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increased desire for comfort and outdoor space, and this design addresses these needs by incorporating voids that provide natural ventilation and connection to the outdoors.

Overall, the Fudomae Apartment with Six Voids showcases the ingenuity and creativity of Akira Koyama and his team. By prioritizing light, airflow, and privacy, they have created a modern and functional living space that enhances the quality of life for its residents. This design has been recognized with the prestigious Bronze A' Design Award in 2021, further highlighting its excellence and contribution to the field of architecture.

Image Credits: All Images - Yoshifumi Moriya / Nacasa & Partners Inc. Video - Akira Koyama / Key Operation Inc.