Apollo architects exposes zig-zag timber trusses in wrap house

wrap house by tokyo-based architecture firm apollo architects and associates, is located in matsuyama city in the ehime prefecture, japan.

the unusual form of the building consists of a lower rectangular ground floor and a pentagonal-shaped volume sitting above. unique in shape but straightforward in materials, the house responds in a subtly distinct manner to its neighboring houses, with similar display of grey tones and a concrete, timber and metal material palette. interior wise, it is simply furnished, focussing on the rawness of design and construction techniques with the upper loft area accessed by a modern floating staircase. the structure is characterized by the exposed zig-zagged timber trusses on the upper level which wraps and supports the ceiling, extending onto one of the walls where half has been inserted with glazing- visible on the outside. hidden LEDs have been installed at the edges of the feature, illuminating and accentuating the angular formation of the wood meanwhile, the other side presents fully glazed sliding doors which open up to reveal panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountainous landscape.

 

floating staircase which leads up to the upper loft area image © masao nishikawa

 

the zig-zag trusses are seen from the outside image © masao nishikawa

 

the timber trusses wraps the ceiling and continues onto the wall image © masao nishikawa

 

image © masao nishikawa

 

the room opens up to a wide balcony with views over the city image © masao nishikawa