Japan’s 1-1 Architecture Firm has designed a new residential complex located in a quiet neighborhood in Kariya City, Aichi Prefecture. The MK Apartments are nestled among several apartment buildings that primarily house employees of major automobile manufacturers and their affiliated companies. Despite the urban setting, the community benefits from abundant green spaces and available plots, which inspired the MK Apartment’s innovative design concept.
The architect’s goal was to create a comfortable and functional living space for residents and owners alike. Given the area’s high household income and marriage rates, most neighboring households have two parking spaces each. Additionally, towering parking structures around the site cast long shadows over the open green areas.
To address this, 1-1 Architecture proposed a design that preserves the continuity of the surrounding natural environment while minimizing its impact. The building’s functions are divided into separate rooms that appear to float above ground, creating open space underneath. This design allows for outdoor circulation and permeability, seamlessly integrating the building with its surroundings.
Each ‘floating’ room incorporates a structural system where living units support one another around a central staircase space, utilizing BIM design techniques. This approach reduces the number of columns touching the ground, mimicking the intricate root system of plants. The BIM-trained architects chose column diameters inspired by the biological principles observed in plant stems, replicating the way tree trunks thicken as they grow taller.
The complex consists of four units, each sharing the same floor plan. These units are connected, rotated, and mirrored to optimize functionality throughout the building. The architect also designed the layout with consideration for sun movement and the surrounding environment. The roofs and exterior walls are clad in uniform materials, resulting in a cohesive volume that resembles a forest with overlapping leaves in varying shades.
The irregular geometric form reflects the diverse lifestyles of the residents. By placing the building and nature on separate planes, the apartment complex integrates harmoniously with the surrounding ecosystem. Additional features include covered parking and thick noise-reduction walls, which further enhance the living experience within this residential community.
▲ Plan view
▲ Sectional view
Project Information
Project Name: MK Apartment
Architectural Firm: 1-1 Architect (Yuki Kamiya + Shoichi Ishikawa)
Location: Kariya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan
Project Type: Apartment Complex
Structure: Wood with partial steel elements
Site Area: 453.97 m²
Building Area: 103.33 m²
Total Floor Area: 174.43 m²
Design Period: October 2016 – September 2018
Construction Period: October 2018 – June 2019
Structural Engineer: Fujio and Associates
Construction Company: Dongyang Construction Co., Ltd
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