Tokyo is a city where architecture often competes for space and visibility, yet the STEALTH residence, designed by Satoshi Kurosaki of APOLLO Architects & Associates, takes the opposite approach. Rather than standing out, this private residence prides itself on discretion. Its solid exterior conceals an expansive interior that unfolds like an oasis, offering its residents the serenity and privacy of a luxury resort while being firmly rooted in an urban neighborhood.

From the street, the home appears to be a monolithic, box-like structure that cantilevers out over an all-black ground level, intentionally downplaying the entrance to the home and garage. STEALTH’s textured gray facade gives away little, intentionally shielding its interiors from prying eyes. The design prioritizes privacy, but not at the expense of light and openness. Instead, the architecture is carefully planned with interiors that open up, making the experience of moving through the home both surprising and rewarding.

A person stands in a narrow, modern corridor with a slanted glass roof casting shadows, next to a glass wall revealing a bathtub and indoor plants.

Behind the front door, instead of a conventional foyer, the first view is of the owner’s car collection, including eight prized vehicles displayed in a built-in garage. This unconventional introduction transforms a functional requirement into a gallery-like setting. Sunlight from a north-facing window illuminates the cars, giving the space the feel of a well-lit showroom. The double-height entrance next to the garage amplifies the drama, with a sculptural spiral staircase winding though all levels of the living spaces.

Large skylight with vertical slats casts shadows on a modern interior wall, with silhouetted plants and trees visible in the foreground.

Descending into the basement reveals another side of the house. Unlike many urban basements, this one avoids gloominess thanks to a sunken courtyard that delivers daylight into the gym. Adjacent rooms provide space for indoor golf practice and karaoke, emphasizing the residence’s resort-like feel with amenities. The subterranean level demonstrates how light, often scarce in Tokyo homes, can be harnessed in unconventional ways to create livable spaces.

Modern living room with floor-to-ceiling windows, wood slat ceiling, contemporary furniture, and a view of a person standing outside on a patio near greenery.

Spacious modern living room with floor-to-ceiling windows, wooden ceiling, contemporary furniture, and a person standing outside on the patio.

The top floor serves as the public part of the residence. Here, an L-shaped living room unfolds around a semi-open kitchen and dining area, encouraging family interaction. Expansive glass walls line both the north and south facades, drawing in natural light while louvers filter it into a soft glow.

A modern open-plan living area with large overhanging roof, outdoor pool, and a person standing near greenery on a sunny day.

To the south, three floor-to-ceiling sliding panels transform the interior into an outdoor living space. Once open, the boundary between inside and out dissolves entirely, and the terrace becomes an extension of the home. A deep almost nine-foot overhang provides shade and weather protection, making the space usable throughout the seasons.

Modern rooftop terrace with seating area and pool, overlooking a cityscape with high-rise buildings under a clear blue sky.

From the terrace, the infinity swimming pool is integrated seamlessly into the architecture and surrounded by lush greenery. At almost nine-feet deep, the residents can swim high above the city and feel like they’re away at a spa resort, offering a rare luxury in central Tokyo.

A modern rooftop terrace with seating, a pool, and city skyscrapers in the background at dusk; a person stands near the pool.

The rooftop hosts a final surprise: a dog run designed for the family’s pet, complete with panoramic city views!

Modern indoor living space with wooden ceiling, dining table, and open view to an outdoor pool area with plants; a person stands near the pool at dusk.

Modern, open living space with wood ceiling, glass walls, contemporary furniture, and city view at dusk. Dining area and lounge are separated by a central island.

Modern house with large glass walls, a patio seating area, and a narrow illuminated pool at dusk. A person stands near the sliding doors, with warm lights inside and outside.

A modern garage with two luxury cars parked inside—one black sedan and one black-and-white sports car—under linear ceiling lights, with large windows showing plants outside.

Modern indoor garage with two luxury cars, linear ceiling lights, large glass windows, and potted plants along the right side.

A modern staircase with dark wood steps and metal railings, set against marble-patterned walls and illuminated by warm recessed lighting.

Floating wooden stairs attached to a wall with natural light streaming in from above, highlighting the geometric design and textured surfaces.

The second level shifts toward the sleeping quarters. Bedrooms and private spaces open onto a north-facing balcony. The primary suite features a walk-in closet and family bathroom, which includes a glass-enclosed bathtub overlooking the massive entrance hall. The children’s bedrooms are compact yet personalized with individual wardrobes. A study, which also overlooks the dramatic entrance hall through a glass partition, accenturates the home’s vertical interconnectedness, allowing even quiet spots to remain visually linked to the rest of the house.

A modern hallway with stone walls, a slatted wood ceiling, abstract wall art, and a blurred figure walking in the distance.

A modern, minimalist hallway with wood panel ceiling, glass walls, and a view of a small tree in an outdoor courtyard illuminated by natural light.

Modern office interior with wooden finishes, glass partitions, and minimalist furnishings, featuring a central counter and natural light from large windows.

Modern bathroom with double sinks, freestanding bathtub, floor-to-ceiling windows with diagonal light patterns, and wood slat ceiling.

Modern bathroom with a freestanding bathtub next to large floor-to-ceiling windows, featuring natural light and diagonal shadow patterns on the floor and walls.

Modern spa room with two massage beds, soft lighting, wood slat ceiling, large window, and a small potted plant near the glass wall.

A modern building with a gray marble facade, three garage entrances, overhead utility wires, and trees visible above the roofline.

Modern building with a dark stone facade and garage doors facing a quiet, empty street lined with greenery under a clear blue sky.

For more information on the STEALTH residence and APOLLO Architects & Associates, visit apollo-aa.jp.

Photography by Masao Nishikawa.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.