FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kitazawa Apartment Ground Floor and Landscape Common Area Design

The Kitazawa Apartment design team has unveiled a pioneering residential space project in Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan. The newly built collective residence, located in a quiet residential area, features a ground floor and landscape common area design that emphasizes history inheritance, local environment affinity, and diverse communications. The project commenced in October 2020, with construction starting in February 2021 and completion achieved in July 2022.

The ground floor design of the apartment, spanning an area of 1955.56㎡ with a building area of 980.52㎡, is centered around the theme "A place for a short break." The design incorporates three key elements: "History inheritance," "Affinity with the local environment," and "Diverse communications." Notably, the project aimed to seamlessly connect the interior design with the surrounding landscape, fostering a harmonious relationship between the two.

The design team's innovative approach is realized through the integration of traditional Japanese roof tiles (Kawara) with terrazzo, creating a unique texture that pays homage to the site's history. This blend of materials not only adds aesthetic value but also enhances heat insulation, contributing to the overall sustainability of the space. Additionally, the dead-end site was transformed into a passageway connecting alleys, serving as an evacuation route and featuring replanted trees and an open biotope for the community.

Furthermore, the shared space for residents seamlessly merges indoor and outdoor elements, incorporating benches and railings within the biotope to encourage meaningful interactions and breaks, thereby shaping the future of the community. The design's emphasis on fostering diverse communications and creating a space for communal engagement reflects the team's commitment to cultivating a sense of belonging and community within the residential environment.

Designer Michiyo Matsumura, Designer Yuichi Minagawa, and Creative Director Naoki Hoshino played pivotal roles in realizing this groundbreaking design, overcoming creative, technical, and research challenges to bring the project to fruition. The design has been recognized with the prestigious Bronze A' Design Award in the Landscape Planning and Garden Design category, underscoring its innovative and resourceful approach that contributes to enhancing the quality of life.

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