Tenjincho Place Apartment Complex 

Design Team：Hiroyuki Ito Architects
Size：2448 m²   
Location：Tokyo, JAPAN

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Feature：

Project - Hiroyuki Ito Architects has completed an apartment complex in Tokyo that expertly navigates the constraints of its compact, irregularly-shaped site. The Tenjincho Place Apartment Complex features a curved volume wrapped around a central courtyard, ensuring each residential unit benefits from ample light, air, and views despite being surrounded by high-rise buildings on three sides. To prevent the courtyard from becoming a dark, neglected space, the architects implemented several clever strategies. They minimized corridors following the courtyard's contours, converted some into two-storey maisonettes, and added side openings to allow light and air to flow in. The courtyard's concrete walls were also given a unique, linear texture achieved by using repurposed Japanese cedar logs as formwork - a sustainable choice that pays tribute to the local forestry industry. Though currently only accessible to residents, the architects have designed the courtyard to evolve into a public space in the future, with the potential for a co-working area, store, café, or market. This thoughtful, adaptable approach reflects the architects' desire to create a building that serves both the individual homeowners and the wider community. Tenjincho Place is a compelling example of how innovative design can transform site constraints into spatial opportunities.

 

Design Team - Founded in 1999, Hiroyuki Ito Architects has emerged as one of Japan's most acclaimed design firms, known for its innovative and thoughtful approach to residential, commercial, and institutional projects. Led by principal Hiroyuki Ito, the Tokyo-based practice has built a diverse portfolio spanning over two decades, earning numerous accolades from prestigious organizations like the Japan Institute of Architects, the Architectural Institute of Japan, and the American Institute of Architects. Ito's design philosophy emphasizes contextualism, sustainability, and a deep engagement with the specific needs and conditions of each site. Whether crafting striking modern homes or breathing new life into historic structures, the firm consistently demonstrates a mastery of materiality, spatial dynamics, and the interplay of light and form. Its work has been widely published and exhibited, reflecting Hiroyuki Ito Architects' status as a vanguard of contemporary Japanese architecture. With Ito at the helm and a talented team of architects, the firm continues to push the boundaries of design, delivering projects that are as functional as they are aesthetically compelling. Hiroyuki Ito Architects' commitment to design excellence has cemented its reputation as one of the leading practices in the industry.