Kitazawa: A Collective Residence in Setagaya-ku, Tokyo

A Place for a Short Break

The design project for Kitazawa apartment aimed to create a seamless connection between the interior design and the landscape. The designers were mindful of serving the community, preserving the landscape, and fostering a connection with the future. The result is a unique residential space that blends history, local affinity, and diverse communications.

One of the key design points of Kitazawa apartment is "history inheritance." The designers incorporated the roof tiles of a former Japanese-style mansion, known as Kawara, into the design. These tiles were mixed with terrazzo and finished with plastering, preserving the texture of the place. The terrazzo floor material, mixed with the roof tiles, provides superior heat insulation, enhancing the comfort of the space.

The design also emphasizes "affinity with the local environment." The dead-end site was transformed into a passageway connecting alleys, serving as an evacuation route. Replanted trees and an open biotope were created, fostering a sense of community and providing a green space for residents to enjoy.

Furthermore, Kitazawa apartment promotes "diverse communications." The shared space seamlessly blends the interior and exterior, with benches and railings in the biotope. These thoughtful additions encourage residents to take breaks and interact with each other, shaping the future of the community.

The planning for Kitazawa apartment began in October 2020, with construction starting in February 2021. The project was completed in July 2022 in a quiet residential neighborhood in Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan. The surface area of the apartment is 1955.56㎡, with a building area of 980.52㎡.

This exceptional design has been recognized with the Bronze A' Design Award in the Landscape Planning and Garden Design category in 2023. The award acknowledges the outstanding creativity and ingenuity of the design, which incorporates best practices in art, science, design, and technology. Kitazawa apartment contributes to improving the quality of life and making the world a better place.