OMIYACHO APARTMENTS

The site is located in a district where modern houses and traditional Machiya (townhouses) coexist. Since the western approach adjoins an existing Machiya, the building's proportions were carefully aligned with the neighboring scale. On the second floor, I incorporated Mushiko-mado (traditional latticed windows) within the reinforced concrete structure to foster continuity with the historic streetscape. From the third floor up, while the building is set back, the facade is finely articulated through the placement of openings, inner balconies, and wood-paneled sections. This breaks down the mass of the building, preventing a sense of oppression. Beyond mere compliance with landscape regulations, the design seeks to honor the local history while contributing to the evolving identity of the neighborhood.

This five-story reinforced concrete apartment building (667.25 sq.m.) comprises 16 units, parking, and a commercial tenant. At the client’s request, the building was designed without an elevator to minimize initial and long-term maintenance costs. To prevent the five-story climb from becoming a tedious, enclosed experience, I transformed the common areas into a "vertical alleyway." By weaving an open staircase between two building volumes, I created a dynamic route that opens to the east and west. This design turns a functional necessity into an engaging journey, mimicking the experience of wandering through a city’s backstreets.

The communal stairs between the two blocks function as a "vertical alleyway," fostering a comfortable sense of distance. By intentionally incorporating balconies, randomized windows, and exposed piping, the design embraces the "texture of daily life"—reminiscent of the vibrant energy of an Asian backstreet. Unlike the sterile circulation of typical apartments, this open alleyway encourages informal encounters. During my residency, a typhoon-driven blackout prompted residents to gather here instinctively, supporting one another. Beyond a mere path, this space acts as a social catalyst, reviving traditional community bonds in a modern setting.

Each of the 16 units features a unique layout, driven by varied entrance positions. While maximizing floor area within strict shadows-regulated constraints, the design moves away from uniformity to offer diverse living environments—ranging from units with private gardens and island kitchens to those with expansive balconies. The south-facing penthouse on the fifth floor is specifically designed to embrace panoramic views of Kyoto. With a full-height glazed facade to the south and high-side windows on the remaining three sides, the space offers an overwhelming sense of openness, functioning as a serene sanctuary floating above the city.

I lived in Unit 201 for two years, using it as both home and office to experience the space firsthand. The combination of a 38.5 sq.m. interior and a vast 19.25 sq.m. balcony, coupled with a hallway-free layout, provided a sense of openness that far exceeded its actual footprint. Living here allowed me to validate my conviction: meticulous detailing is the foundation of daily comfort. During my residency, I treated the space as a living laboratory, incrementally introducing custom furniture and lighting. These elements, and the philosophy behind them, have been carried forward into my current home, a renovated Machiya.