o_building wraps in half-mirrors and nature-infused pathway to open up tokyo urbanscape

o_building wraps in half-mirrors and nature-infused pathway to open up tokyo urbanscape

Yohei Kawashima Architects uplifts tokyo streetscape

 

In Tokyo, Japan, Yohei Kawashima Architects’ O_building unfolds as a flagpole-shaped residence that doubles as a nature-infused pathway connecting both the North and the South sides of the building. Aligned with the Japanese slant line regulation and to open up the compact site, the three-story structure is positioned to take a step back, sitting briefly behind its neighbors.

 

An external staircase was integrated around it on the sideway, giving all tenants equal access to a simple composition on each floor, and creating a passage below where visitors can take a moment to rest and breathe. Further, a half-mirrored facade lends the home a lightweight feel, while creating dynamic plays of light and shade in the area.

O_building by Yohei Kawashima Architects wraps in half-mirrors and nature-infused pathway to open up tokyo urbanscape
the half-mirrored building takes a step back from the streetfront | all images © Koji Fujii/TOREAL

 

 

o_building sits wrapped in nature-infused pathway

 

The O_building is sited in Musashino City, along a commercial area where buildings are lined up to the edge of the lot. This created a dark and compressed passage, which the team at Yohei Kawashima Architects sought to revitalize by planning a half-mirror along the pathway. The fence meticulously picks up the changes in the light and shade of the sunlight that comes through the gaps throughout the day, reflecting the side dimensions of the building and the back side of the adjacent building on the other side.

 

Further, rather than simply concealing the building’s rear with a flat wall, the team created a distinctive pathway lined with greenery where passersby and residents can experience the ‘flow of the day’, stepping away from the commercial environment for solitude. ‘We expect that the transformation of this rather dark oppressing pathway into an experience of walking in varied level of sunlight will surely change the quality of connection between surrounding buildings,’ notes Suzuki Nao.

O_building by Yohei Kawashima Architects wraps in half-mirrors and nature-infused pathway to open up tokyo urbanscape
Yohei Kawashima Architects unveils O_building

O_building by Yohei Kawashima Architects wraps in half-mirrors and nature-infused pathway to open up tokyo urbanscape
a nature-infused pathway improves circulation in the area and generates space

O_building by Yohei Kawashima Architects wraps in half-mirrors and nature-infused pathway to open up tokyo urbanscape
an external staircase creates equal access to each residence and a passage below

O_building by Yohei Kawashima Architects wraps in half-mirrors and nature-infused pathway to open up tokyo urbanscape
the site sits in a dense commercial area in Musashino City, Tokyo

o_building wraps in half-mirrors and nature-infused pathway to open up tokyo urbanscape
inside O_building

o-building-yohei-kawashima-architects-designboom-2

o_building 7
the passage wraps around and connects the north and south of the structure

O_building by Yohei Kawashima Architects wraps in half-mirrors and nature-infused pathway to open up tokyo urbanscape
half mirrors create plays of light and shade, and open up more space in the area

 

 

project info:

 

name: O_building
architecture: Yohei Kawashima Architects inc.
location: Tokyo, Japan

 

 

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: ravail khan | designboom

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