ELEMENT House Merges Concrete and Walnut in Kyoto Design

"Located in southern Kyoto, Japan, occupies an L-shaped plot of and that required special attention due to its dual street frontages and changing elevations. APOLLO Architects & Associates responded with a composition of concrete features and a massive southern overhang. A dramatic cantilever creates a pilotis garage on the secondary facade. A series of concrete ribs create a rhythmic grid that spans the double-height living space. Within this structural framework, recessed walnut panels introduce a warmth and acoustic softness."

"Japan's post-war architecture has long negotiated between modernism's concrete vernacular and traditional wood craftsmanship. While other architects may have emphasized one over another, APOLLO Architects & Associates created a more cohesive integration. The cedar board impressions in the concrete walls carry forward the textural detail of Japanese wood construction, while the walnut ceiling panels maintain direct material connection to that tradition."

"The second-floor workspace, visible from the living area below through strategic glazing, introduces vertical layering that enhances the home's social dynamics. This transparency between work and domestic life reflects the client's needs of remote work, but avoids the trap of simply inserting office functions into residential space. Instead, the design creates genuine integration where professional activity becomes part of the home's daily routine."

The project sits on an L-shaped plot in southern Kyoto with dual street frontages and changing elevations, prompting a concrete composition capped by a massive southern overhang. A dramatic cantilever forms a pilotis garage on the secondary facade while concrete ribs establish a rhythmic grid across the double-height living area. Recessed walnut panels add warmth and acoustic softness inside. Cedar board impressions in concrete walls reference traditional wood textures, and walnut ceilings reinforce material continuity. Three courtyards modulate light and function—entrance, kitchen, and a central courtyard with bench and full-opening doors. A glazed second-floor workspace visually connects to living spaces, integrating remote work into daily life.

Read at Design Milk