https://www.architecturalrecord.com/rss/1581 en-us Soft concrete may be an oxymoron, but Ellipse Sky, a four-story residential building designed for an obstetrician, his family, and several tenants, deftly pokes holes in that notion.

]]> ellipse-sky-keiko-manabu.asp Thu, 15 Nov 2012 23:30:00 -0500 https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/7912-ellipse-sky A curl of molded concrete connecting all four levels, a spiral stair stands on the building's south side'the most desirable place for an entrance in Japan. Mirroring the elliptical arches on the facad Ellipse SkyKeiko + ManabuTokyoA curl of molded concrete connecting all four levels, a spiral stair stands on the building's south side'the most desirable place for an entrance in Japan. Mirroring the elliptical arches on the facade, its subtle oval plan, coupled with different ceiling heights at every level, made for complicated construction.Photo by Takumi Otai Contrasting sharply with the low-scale apartment buildings and single-family homes nearby, the swooping arches'no two are the same'admit plenty of daylight and sky views while editing out the surround Ellipse SkyKeiko + ManabuTokyoContrasting sharply with the low-scale apartment buildings and single-family homes nearby, the swooping arches'no two are the same'admit plenty of daylight and sky views while editing out the surroundings. Photo by Takumi Otai Contrasting sharply with the low-scale apartment buildings and single-family homes nearby, the swooping arches'no two are the same'admit plenty of daylight and sky views while editing out the surround Ellipse SkyKeiko + ManabuTokyoContrasting sharply with the low-scale apartment buildings and single-family homes nearby, the swooping arches'no two are the same'admit plenty of daylight and sky views while editing out the surroundings. Photo by Takumi Otai Outside the owner's duplex, the large openings frame a covered, L-shaped terrace enclosing the living/dining room on the third floor. Ellipse SkyKeiko + ManabuTokyoOutside the owner's duplex, the large openings frame a covered, L-shaped terrace enclosing the living/dining room on the third floor.Photo by Takumi Otai Keiko + Manabu infused the building with interior-design techniqes: A garden walk adds charm to the rental apartments. Ellipse SkyKeiko + ManabuTokyoKeiko + Manabu infused the building with interior-design techniqes: A garden walk adds charm to the rental apartments.Photo by Takumi Otai Custom-designed furniture, like a glass-topped coffee table bolstered by buoys, gives the client's duplex a unique style. Ellipse SkyKeiko + ManabuTokyoCustom-designed furniture, like a glass-topped coffee table bolstered by buoys, gives the client's duplex a unique style.Photo by Takumi Otai A playful, curtainlike window wall on the terrace relieves the concrete facade and frames views from the master bath. Ellipse SkyKeiko + ManabuTokyoA playful, curtainlike window wall on the terrace relieves the concrete facade and frames views from the master bath.Photo by Takumi Otai Ellipse Sky Ellipse SkyKeiko + ManabuTokyoPhoto by Takumi Otai Ellipse Sky Ellipse SkyKeiko + ManabuTokyoPhoto by Takumi Otai Ellipse Sky Ellipse SkyKeiko + ManabuTokyoPhoto by Takumi Otai