- Project: Grid House
- Architect: APOLLO Architects & Associates
- Location: Japan, Tokyo
- Year: 2016
- Area: 126 m2
- Photography: Masao Nishikawa
A House Designed as a Private Art Gallery
Grid House by APOLLO Architects & Associates is more than a home—it’s a curatorial space tailored for living with art. Located in a quiet Tokyo neighborhood, this compact 1,356-square-foot residence was envisioned as a museum-like setting where architecture becomes the backdrop for an exceptional collection of artwork and design objects.
Responding to the client’s vision for an intimate, contemplative environment, APOLLO Architects proposed a single-story concrete residence with a low profile that blends discreetly into its surroundings, minimizing noise and visual disruption.
Inspired by Tradition, Rooted in Modernism
The home’s defining feature—and the source of its name—is the gridded concrete ceiling that spans the main living area. This architectural gesture draws inspiration from the timber ceilings of traditional Japanese temples and tea houses, offering a contemporary interpretation of historical spatial rhythm.
The grid not only adds depth and structural clarity but also sets the tone for a minimalist composition where light, shadow, and symmetry shape the experience of space.
A Monochromatic Palette for Maximum Impact
Inside, the design employs a restrained monochrome color palette. The absence of strong color allows the artworks to dominate, transforming the interior into a fluid exhibition space. Polished concrete, matte black fixtures, and subtly textured surfaces maintain visual continuity while enhancing the serene, gallery-like ambiance.
All finishes were carefully selected for their tactile quality and longevity, reflecting APOLLO Architects’ commitment to timeless materiality and architectural integrity.
Spatial Clarity and Living Simplicity
The house is arranged to facilitate slow movement and quiet reflection. Spaces flow organically from the central living area to more private zones without abrupt transitions. Natural light enters gently through controlled openings, further softening the starkness of the concrete envelope.
This layout supports both functionality and aesthetic purity, offering a lifestyle attuned to mindful living and artistic appreciation.
Architecture as Stillness and Structure
With Grid House, APOLLO Architects & Associates reaffirm their mastery of architectural restraint—creating a space that’s as much about what’s left out as what’s included. The result is a calm, minimal dwelling that honors its context, enriches daily rituals, and elevates domestic life into a work of art.
