The approaching 2020 Olympics in Tokyo have caused a shortage in building materials and a huge jump in building expenses. So what’s a couple to do when they want to build their first home quick and on the cheap? One Tokyo couple asked Apollo Architects & Associates to create a home on a small budget and a short schedule.


The architects responded with a beautiful home that makes liberal use of concrete, an inexpensive and quickly-deployed building material. Concrete also happens to be versatile and surprisingly attractive when used well.

FRAME is the stylish, compact home that Apollo & Associates created. The exposed-concrete construction lends an industrial look to the abode, but the starkness is perfectly balanced by liberal use of teak wood for the floor, ceiling, furniture, and fixtures.

These simple and repeated materials make the home feel very clean and modern. Its simple lines all lead the eye toward the enormous plate-glass window at the street-facing side of the second story. This window illuminates the public living areas of the home.


On the ground floor, the husband’s fashion photography studio occupies a cozy area accented with more concrete and teak. The top story is currently unoccupied; this is the area the couple plans to use for their future children’s rooms.


A semi-enclosed rooftop terrace sits at the back of the top floor, letting the residents enjoy the lovely views while maintaining their privacy.