Upscale Condominium in Downtown Kyoto

Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan

Photo © SS Co., Ltd.

Photo © Yasushi Ichikawa

Photo © SS Co., Ltd.

Photo © Yasushi Ichikawa

Photo © SS Co., Ltd.

Photo © Yasushi Ichikawa

Apartment Buildings

Architects: Waro Kishi + K.Associates

Location: Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
Year: 2022

This is a plan to build an upscale condominium at the corner of where the main street of Shijo-Dori meets the plaza in front of Shijo-Omiya station of Hankyu line, right in the middle of downtown Kyoto. It is a residential building facing a very busy environment of the 24-hour high traffic street of Shijo-Dori. It started with a question of if a balcony area is necessary, usually seen in apartment buildings.A balcony serves as an “interface” between the residence’s indoor space and the city outside and is an important space for residents to feel the air outside. But is it really necessary for this busy environment of Shijo-Omiya? Rather, instead of a balcony, would a floor-to-ceiling opening be better to enjoy the unobstructed view outside from a low seat, without balcony railings? The necessary installments of ventilators and air conditioners can be arranged accordingly. Thus this style of current openings were decided based on the idea that a more comfortable living environment can be achieved, instead of designing a balcony space. As a result, we managed to come up with a quiet and calming presence of residential building, which does not project a loud statement in the busy city surroundings.