The Apartment

The Apartment Multidisciplinary design office. Designing and crafting R-A HOUSE. A Design Guide to Japan available via the website.

This photograph was taken late last year, our first visual aspect of the house being installed. Positioned internally at...
01/06/2026

This photograph was taken late last year, our first visual aspect of the house being installed. Positioned internally at the corner where the over-wall sliders will meet, sits our galvanised post.

Fabricated by

Akitsu Ryokan, nestled in the hills of Shiga Prefecture. This charming accommodation (with shop and cafe attached) is ea...
11/05/2026

Akitsu Ryokan, nestled in the hills of Shiga Prefecture.

This charming accommodation (with shop and cafe attached) is easily accessible from major cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto — the perfect stop for those wanting to escape the urban environment and post up for a few quiet days in the Japanese countryside.

captured on 35mm

R-HOUSE has a front door. A few weeks ago, our window and door suite was delivered from With most frames now installed...
27/04/2026

R-HOUSE has a front door.

A few weeks ago, our window and door suite was delivered from

With most frames now installed, we’re currently preparing the large over-wall sliders positioned on the corner of the living space. Once these are in place, the remaining glass will be delivered.

The windows and doors have been an aspect of the house we’ve spent hours reviewing; considering light, scale and proportions, and materiality. A much anticipated milestone to be installing this suite and a huge thank you to for understanding our vision and working with us to achieve this.

re-visiting some favourite sakura (cherry blossom) moments from Japan — mostly captured in Akizuki, a small town nestled...
14/04/2026

re-visiting some favourite sakura (cherry blossom) moments from Japan — mostly captured in Akizuki, a small town nestled in the hills of Kyushu, just an hour or so from Fukuoka City.

also including a slide of my favourite pink wall, and

R-A House featured in Here Magazine, ‘Site Specific”. Biddi was recently approached to style and shoot a project for .nz...
04/04/2026

R-A House featured in Here Magazine, ‘Site Specific”.

Biddi was recently approached to style and shoot a project for .nz and it was suggested she do it on our site, such an honour.

We’re documenting our journey to share the ins and outs, learnings, and design>build process, but also to share the beauty found in construction and industrial spaces which is often overlooked.

The items included here were carefully selected to reflect the consideration we’re taking in each step of our building journey; although we’re at the stage of installing windows (months away from finishing the home), we’re always discussing materials, textures, tones, and product we’ll introduce when the project is complete. This shoot is a little insight into that.

A very special thank you to:nz


co

Mt Fuji captured while traveling at around 280km/h on my way to
21/03/2026

Mt Fuji captured while traveling at around 280km/h on my way to

From the outset, the design of our roof has been part of the overall vision of R-A House. Seeing it take physical shape ...
26/02/2026

From the outset, the design of our roof has been part of the overall vision of R-A House. Seeing it take physical shape this week brings a lot of our early ideas and concepts to life and underpins why materials, proportion, and detail have been a driving force in decisions to date.

The Field Notes section of the Japan Guide is a curated collection of practical information and notes, gathered over the...
17/02/2026

The Field Notes section of the Japan Guide is a curated collection of practical information and notes, gathered over the last twelve years. It’s full of guidance and insights to help you move confidently, navigate the day-to-day smoothly, and notice the nuances woven into everyday life.

What may seem unfamiliar at first often reveals itself as intentional and respectful, layered with history, beauty, and care; whether it’s how to line up for public transport, the scarcity of rubbish bins, or low voices in the streets.

Find the guide via the link in our bio.

With an upcoming trip to Japan, I’ve been reflecting on where my travel guides all began. Here’s a little insight… Biddi
16/02/2026

With an upcoming trip to Japan, I’ve been reflecting on where my travel guides all began. Here’s a little insight…

Biddi

Off the beaten path, located on a small island not far from Hiroshima, is one of our favourite stays, Easily accessible...
06/02/2026

Off the beaten path, located on a small island not far from Hiroshima, is one of our favourite stays,

Easily accessible via car, bus, or ferry, SOIL Setoda is well-designed yet humble hotel, the perfect base when exploring the Shimanami Kaido Islands. It offers thoughtful hospitality facilities, a co-working space, access to a beautiful nearby sento, friendly service and local knowledge. We highly recommend this as a base for a minimum 3 nights.

It’s also included in the roadtrip itinerary in A Design Guide to Japan, which you’ll find via our website.

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Hawea Flat
9382

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