Folding up and over itself, this residence by akihisa hirata architecture gives each set of occupants a sense of privacy within a dense Tokyo neighbourhood.
November 29th, 2019
As high density responds to fast growing cities, some undesirable side-effects have triggered intriguing design solutions. As apartment sizes decrease, storage solutions become ingenious. As access to green space becomes limited, designers respond with vertical, hanging and rooftop gardens. And while a sense of isolation from our neighbours prevails – despite living closer than ever before – Overlap House by akihisa hirata architecture office encourages relationships with close neighbours and the immediate precinct.
Situated on a steep, corner site in Otsuka, Tokyo, Overlap House is an architectural continuation of the highs and lows of the undulating terrain of which it is now apart. Neighboured by parklands, apartment buildings, and the backyards of single residences, each of the three individual residences contained within the single site are separate and self-contained. Yet they look as though they are folding organically over and into one another. The internal spaces are complemented by an equal amount of voids and outdoor space connected by gently sloping stairs and ramps.
Surrounded by a sea of neutral façades and tiled buildings responding to fire protection regulations in the area, the architects’ preference for clean white would have existed in stark and jarring contrast to the suburb’s topography. It was quickly evident that a different approach would be needed. Slate tiles climb the building and cover the roof. The mottled colour gradually changes in accord with the colour gradation of the ground, city and sky. While the pattern may seem random, in fact it is methodically organised using an algorithm to achieve this very specific effect.
The garden blends into the parklands, the house blends into the city and the barriers between each are atmospherically blurred, though they are physically present. For the residents of each of the three houses the streets, roads, neighbouring gardens and parks feel as if they are an extension of the residence, notably providing a feeling of spaciousness to what is otherwise an exercise in medium density living.
akihisa hirata architecture office was founded on the principles of designing architecture to mirror a natural environment. While that idea remains at the heart of the practise, the way of thinking has evolved. Overlap House is an experiment of sorts for the studio, who want to expand the often rigid expectations and preconceptions of how we live as we move into the future.
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
Marylou Cafaro’s first trendjournal sparked a powerful, decades-long movement in joinery designs and finishes which eventually saw Australian design develop its independence and characteristic style. Now, polytec offers all-new insights into the future of Australian design.
Channelling the enchanting ambience of the Caffè Greco in Rome, Budapest’s historic Gerbeaud, and Grossi Florentino in Melbourne, Ross Didier’s new collection evokes the designer’s affinity for café experience, while delivering refined seating for contemporary hospitality interiors.
Sub-Zero and Wolf’s prestigious Kitchen Design Contest (KDC) has celebrated the very best in kitchen innovation and aesthetics for three decades now. Recognising premier kitchen design professionals from around the globe, the KDC facilitates innovation, style and functionality that pushes boundaries.
In the pursuit of an uplifting synergy between the inner world and the surrounding environment, internationally acclaimed Interior Architect and Designer Lorena Gaxiola transform the vibration of the auspicious number ‘8’ into mesmerising artistry alongside the Feltex design team, brought to you by GH Commercial.
A hair salon in the Japanese capital blends a language of metal and water in a distinctive, original design.
A hospitality venue in the heart of Osaka comprising four dining options – a place where nostalgic pastimes meet high-end dining.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
Art, design, architecture and hospitality all combine perfectly at The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne by BAR Studio and Cottee Parker.
Beau Fulwood and Alison Peach on returning to a low-tech, first-principles concept of design as a strategy to combat climate change.