FOO House by APOLLO Architects & Associates: A Harmonious Concrete Home in Yokohama

  • Project: FOO House
  • Architect: APOLLO Architects & Associates
  • Location: Japan, Yokohama, Kanagawa Perfecture
  • Year: 2016
  • Area: 189 m2
  • Photography: Masao Nishikawa

A Private Residence Framed by Nature and Heritage

FOO House by APOLLO Architects & Associates is a modern two-family residence that delicately balances architectural formality with natural integration. Located on a plateau in Yokohama, this 2,045-square-foot concrete structure is designed for a couple with two children whose passions include gardening and gold craftsmanship.

The project emphasizes the owners’ desire for an East-West blend of aesthetics, merging minimalist Japanese spatial sensibility with Western openness and material tactility.

A Facade of Quiet Strength

The home’s distinctive façade is composed of exposed concrete and timber lattices crafted from Serangan batu wood. This thoughtful combination softens the building’s geometry while creating a rhythmic screen that references both traditional Japanese privacy screens and modernist architecture.

Oriented to the south, the living room enjoys a clear view into a hybrid Japanese-Western garden—establishing a tranquil daily ritual of indoor-outdoor living framed by greenery.

Interior Contrast and Continuity

Inside, FOO House offers a serene interior palette centered on warm solid teak wood used across ceilings and flooring. This material warmth contrasts the expressive rigidity of the concrete structure, forging a visual dialogue that deepens the sensory experience.

Rather than stark minimalism, the architects opted for material harmony and formality, achieving a spatial language that is both elegant and grounded. The architectural expression aligns with the peaceful character of the surrounding townscape.

A Tailored Family Sanctuary

The floor plan reflects the daily rhythms and cultural values of a modern Japanese family while accommodating intergenerational living. Spaces are fluid yet intimate, refined yet comfortable—celebrating personal rituals without compromising visual clarity.

FOO House represents a contemporary domestic prototype: deeply rooted in context, culturally responsive, and timeless in its aesthetic delivery.

The FOO House by APOLLO Architects in Yokohama (1)
Photography © Masao Nishikawa
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Photography © Masao Nishikawa
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Photography © Masao Nishikawa
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Photography © Masao Nishikawa
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Photography © Masao Nishikawa
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Photography © Masao Nishikawa
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Photography © Masao Nishikawa
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Photography © Masao Nishikawa
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Photography © Masao Nishikawa
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Photography © Masao Nishikawa
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Photography © Masao Nishikawa
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Photography © Masao Nishikawa
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Photography © Masao Nishikawa

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.