![Shift House / APOLLO Architects & Associates - Facade, Windows](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5007/06e1/28ba/0d41/4800/0b12/newsletter/stringio.jpg?1361398104)
- Area: 257 m²
- Year: 2010
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Photographs:Masao Nishikawa
Text description provided by the architects. Surrounding the site in the outskirts of Tokyo is lush green and a slow-paced environment. The building was commissioned by a family composed of the husband who manages an insurance company, the wife who works as a patternmaker and their two children. It was planned as a SOHO, with a space for the yoga classes run by the wife added to the house.
![Shift House / APOLLO Architects & Associates - Windows, Facade](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5007/06ce/28ba/0d41/4800/0b0d/newsletter/stringio.jpg?1360724505)
The distinguishing exterior consists of a wooden volume covered with a luminescent wall sitting on top of a base made of exposed concrete engrained with the texture of Japanese cedar.
![Shift House / APOLLO Architects & Associates - Table](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5007/06f1/28ba/0d41/4800/0b16/newsletter/stringio.jpg?1360724538)
In sharp contrast to the exterior that is closed to the outside world, an inner courtyard pierces the center of the structure. With a hollow center, the house is easy walk around and allows for the presence of family members to be felt from anywhere. The symbolic tree in the courtyard plays a central role in sustaining the equilibrium of the architecture.
![Shift House / APOLLO Architects & Associates - Image 12 of 15](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5007/06fa/28ba/0d41/4800/0b18/newsletter/stringio.jpg?1360724544)
On the ground floor, the living room and dining kitchen face each other across the courtyard while a sculptural staircase is positioned across the courtyard from the entrance. The staircase is symbolic in its presence and gives expansiveness to the spaces together with the courtyard.
![Shift House / APOLLO Architects & Associates - Windows, Facade](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5007/06ff/28ba/0d41/4800/0b19/medium_jpg/stringio.jpg?1360724547)
On the first floor, the multi-purpose room is used for yoga classes and for other activities, while small gardens are positioned around bedrooms providing light and openings.
![Shift House / APOLLO Architects & Associates - Sofa](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5007/06e9/28ba/0d41/4800/0b14/newsletter/stringio.jpg?1360724529)
Incorporating an open-air garden within it, the house makes it possible to fully enjoy the Japanese four seasons. The contrast between the external and the internal will help to keep a fresh mind in everyday life.
![Shift House / APOLLO Architects & Associates - Windows](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5007/06f6/28ba/0d41/4800/0b17/medium_jpg/stringio.jpg?1360724541)