The Kobuchi Apartment, a project in Japan

This contemporary building is located in Kanagawa, Japan. It was a project by Toru Kudo + architecture WORKSHOP in collaboration with EJIRI Structural Engineers and Kankyo Engineering Inc. and it was completed in 2006. The building covers an area of 443.56 square meters. It resembles a big residence but it’s in fact a complex of apartments.

Kobuchi apartment4

The building consists of several rental apartment and six residences that were exclusively designed for the owner families. It was a project that aimed at prioritizing economic performance. It basically introduces the concept of grouped families. It’s a space shared by several families and it’s been divided into spaces that can be rented and spaces that can be bought. This way there’s a balance and a sense of diversity.

Kobuchi apartment4
Kobuchi apartment4
Kobuchi apartment4
Kobuchi apartment4

The building has four levels. The rental apartments and owners’ residences are visually different. The owners’ residences have steel structures while and rental apartments sit on a base platform and have reinforced concrete structures. There is also a public area that can be accessed by all residents. It’s a garden-like space that occupies an entire floor. It’s a sort of large living room for the entire building and it’s a space where residents are encouraged to interact and spend time together. Overall, it’s an interesting project that encourages communication and the concept of living in peace and harmony.{found on archdaily}.