![Front elevation of Espirit House in Tokyo](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2022/11/espirit-house-apollo-architects-and-associates-architecture-residential-japan-tokyo_dezeen_2364_hero-852x479.jpg)
Apollo Architects & Associates designs Tokyo home that blurs indoor and outdoor spaces
Japanese studio Apollo Architects & Associates has completed Esprit House, a home in Tokyo with a blocky concrete form elevated on piloti above a garage space.
Designed for a client who works in landscaping, the three-storey dwelling was created by local practice Apollo Architects & Associates to explore the home as somewhere that is both private and "open to the public sphere".
![Front elevation of Espirit House in Tokyo by Apollo Architects & Associates](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2023/01/espirit-house-apollo-architects-and-associates-architecture-residential-japan-tokyo_dezeen_2364_col_49-852x1065.jpg)
"In the work-from-home era, comfortable living environments and intermediary areas linking interior and exterior [are] increasingly in demand," said the practice.
"Perhaps the most sought-after characteristics of future homes will be a joy-de-vivre spirit that allows residents to migrate freely between indoor and outdoor spaces," it continued.
![Residential street in Tokyo](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2023/01/espirit-house-apollo-architects-and-associates-architecture-residential-japan-tokyo_dezeen_2364_col_3-852x1065.jpg)
Both inside and out, the project contrasts bright, open-air spaces with more enclosed ones, reflected by the exterior contrast of austere, exposed concrete and a large area of glazing that reveals the interior to the street.
Entering a narrow space alongside the ground-floor garage and gym, a staircase leads up to the first floor where three bedrooms sit in the most enclosed area of the home, wrapped by concrete walls with carefully-placed openings.
![Entrance to concrete home in Japan](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2023/01/espirit-house-apollo-architects-and-associates-architecture-residential-japan-tokyo_dezeen_2364_col_4-852x1277.jpg)
"Other than the open chef's kitchen, functional elements such as the storage areas, kitchen, elevator, bathroom and stairwell are concentrated along walls running lengthwise through the house, resulting in a minimalistic, tube-shaped space," said the practice.
A large living, dining and kitchen area opens onto a balcony sandwiched between full-height sliding glass doors and the glass facade, planted with trees that extend above the home's roofline.
On the roof, a large terrace with an additional table, seating area and outdoor kitchen is surrounded by trees and sheltered beneath a metal pergola.
"Linking indoor and outdoor living spaces and enclosing them with greenery results in a serene atmosphere that is private while still offering attractive views," added the practice.
![Roof terrace of Espirit House by Apollo Architects & Associates](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2023/01/espirit-house-apollo-architects-and-associates-architecture-residential-japan-tokyo_dezeen_2364_col_8-852x568.jpg)
The interior of the living space has been finished with a dark palette of tiled grey floors, and wood-lined ceilings and walls with large areas of built-in storage.
Areas of exposed concrete have been left visible in the lower spaces of the home, while simple wall finishes and wooden floors bring a warmer feel to the bedrooms.
Flooded with light from the full-height windows during the day, at night concealed strips of lighting bring an atmospheric feel to the interiors.
![Dark interior of Tokyo house](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2023/01/espirit-house-apollo-architects-and-associates-architecture-residential-japan-tokyo_dezeen_2364_col_36-852x568.jpg)
Apollo Architects & Associates is based in Tokyo and was founded in 2000 by Satoshi Kurosaki.
The studio's previous projects include a home in Tokyo arranged around a series of hidden courtyards, and a minimalist home squeezed onto a narrow site just 1.4 metres wide.
The photography is by Masao Nishikawa.
Project credits:
Architecture: Apollo Architects & Associates
Structural engineer: Motoi Nomura Structures
Facility engineer: Naoki Matsumoto
Lighting design: Ripple design
Construction: Kobo Co., Ltd.