Knot House by Apollo Architects and Associates

Knot House is a private house for a couple designed by Tokyo-based Apollo Architects and Associates. This 100 square-meter rectangular house, built in Meguro, a district of  Tokyo, consists of a box made of concrete and glass. The building occupies a corner lot in a hilly site; its volume has been protruded from its side in order to obtain a vertical continuity in circulation and visual connection.

Knot House, Apollo Architects and Associates, Tokyo, Japan, © Apollo Architects and Associates

The translucent panels which house the dwelling's open veranda space allow for natural lights and ventilation.
Entering the building is possible below the room which cantilevers out from the main building.

Knot House, Apollo Architects and Associates, Tokyo, Japan, © Apollo Architects and Associates

A glass-encased void space is used as a light well by the kitchen and dining area.

Knot House — Living space, Apollo Architects and Association, Tokyo, Japan, © Apollo Architects and Associates 

The organization of interior spaces reflects the couple's high interest in interior decoration. Spaces are not divided by walls which allow for a best flexibility of the utilization of the rooms based on split levels. This solution provides for an abundant natural light.

Knot House, Apollo Architects and Associates, Tokyo, Japan, © Apollo Architects and Associates

Specific areas and programs have been preferred by breaking up the space on a vertical plane.

Knot House — Kitchen/Dining, Apollo Architects and Associates, Tokyo, Japan, 2010, © Apollo Architects and Associates

Knot House — Staircase, Apollo Architects and Associates, Tokyo, Japan, © Apollo Architects and Associates

The living-room has been stepped up half a storey from the kitchen and dining space.
Relation between verticality and horizontality is allowed by the staircase, the absence of partitions walls and the skip floor structure.

Knot House — Living room from the office, Apollo Architects and Associates, Tokyo, Japan, 2010, © Apollo Architects and Associates

Floors are covered with ash flooring painted in white. Wooden table, red chairs and wooden kitchen, wooden floors, small spotlights illustrate the users' taste for North and South European furniture and interiors.

Knot House, Apollo Architects and Associates, Tokyo, Japan, © Apollo Architects and Associates

Knot House — Longitudinal Section, Apollo Architects and Associates, Tokyo, Japan, © Apollo Architects and Associates. Originally appeared on designboom

Knot House — Cross Section, Apollo Architects and Associates, Tokyo, Japan, © Apollo Architects and Associates. Originally appeared on designboom

Project Data:
Program: Private House
Location: Megurô, Tôkyô, Japan
Architects: Apollo Architects and Associates
Site area: 100.18 sq. m.
Total floor area: 99.27 sq. m.
Level 0 area: 50.04 sq. m.
Level 1 area: 49.23 sq. m.
Levels: 1 basement and 2 levels.
Structure: Reinforced concrete
Structural engineer: Taro Yokoyama
Completion Year: August 2010
Photographs courtesy © Apollo Architects and Associates
When mentioned, originally appeared on designboom