Nest by APOLLO Architects: A Micro-Scale Urban Home in Nagoya, Japan

  • Project: Nest
  • Architect: APOLLO Architects & Associates
  • Location: Japan, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture
  • Year: 2016
  • Area: 43 m2
  • Photography: Masao Nishikawa

A Compact Family Home Built for Urban Living

Nest by APOLLO Architects is a compact urban dwelling that proves small footprints can yield expansive experiences. Tucked within a commercial district near Nagoya, this 462-square-foot residence is a masterclass in vertical spatial planning, functionality, and refined minimalism.

With a site footprint of just 355 sq ft, the three-level home rises vertically, supported by a steel frame structure. Clad in brown louvers and gray spray-finished walls, the façade evokes the image of a bird’s nest—both protective and expressive—from which the house draws its name.

Thoughtful Zoning Across Three Levels

The residence is thoughtfully programmed across its compact volume:

  • Ground Floor: Features a piloti-style carport, entrance approach, and a main bedroom. Designed as an integrated piece of furniture, the bedroom features a custom-built storable bed, a headboard with indirect lighting, and a serene, cocoon-like ambiance.

  • Second Floor: Hosts a flexible children’s room and a water area (bathroom and utility). The children’s room is left open to the staircase, acting as a multipurpose space and promoting visual and spatial fluidity.

  • Third Floor: Anchored by a cockpit-style kitchen, built for future bonding moments between the mother and daughters. The kitchen flows into a compact dining table, creating a warm focal point where daily life is centered.

Daylight, Privacy, and Plywood Harmony

Despite its limited size, Nest feels open and uplifting thanks to a strategically placed skylight above the double-height living space. The vertical volume captures daylight, framing a tranquil view of the sky. A semi-transparent balcony louver system ensures privacy from outside while preserving outward visibility.

The interior finish, dominated by lauan plywood, unifies the home aesthetically. This material consistency lends warmth and cohesion while enhancing the tactile quality of the minimalist design.

A Prototype for Compact Urban Residences

Nest reflects APOLLO Architects’ philosophy of spatial ingenuity and urban adaptability. Rather than conforming to a rigid functional layout, the home carves out niche moments of intimacy and flexibility, offering a livable prototype for modern city dwellers dealing with tight urban sites.

By turning constraints into opportunities, Nest by APOLLO Architects celebrates the value of small-scale living with personalized architecture, combining tradition, minimalism, and smart use of vertical space.

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Posted by APOLLO Architects & Associates

Founded in 2000 by architect Satoshi Kurosaki, APOLLO Architects & Associates is a distinguished architecture firm headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, with additional offices in Okinawa, South Korea, and China. The firm draws its name from Apollo, the Greco-Roman god of light, symbolizing its commitment to designs that seamlessly integrate light and shadow to create spiritually enriching spaces. APOLLO Architects & Associates specializes in minimalist architecture, focusing on residential, commercial, and hospitality projects. Their design philosophy emphasizes the interplay between built environments and their natural surroundings, aiming to create spaces that are both functional and emotionally resonant. By incorporating elements such as natural light, ventilation, and material textures, the firm crafts environments that adapt to the rhythms of daily life and seasonal changes. Under Kurosaki's leadership, the firm has garnered international acclaim for its innovative approach to architecture. Their work is characterized by clean lines, open spaces, and a harmonious balance between form and function. This approach not only meets the practical needs of clients but also fosters a deep connection between inhabitants and their environments.