
- 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:
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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.
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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.
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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.