Dezeen Magazine

House in Hiyoshi by Hiroyuki Tanaka Architects

Tokyo office Hiroyuki Tanaka Architects have completed the renovation of a home in Yokohama, Japan.

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Called House in Hiyoshi, the architects divided the space using book shelves and added surrounds to the existing windows, creating a desk and display case.

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The apartment was designed for a young couple.

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Photographs by Takumi Ota.

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Here's some text from Hiroyuki Tanaka Architects:

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Ventilation, a family's line of flow, and the surroundings will be changed by the double volumes.

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We created spaces by cutting these volumes functionally and aesthetically.

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This is renovation project was for young couple. The building stands on a cliff and each residence has its own 30sqm terrace. The residence is on the 5th floor with a view.

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The couple have number of books; they wanted the book space to be like a library.

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We put the shelf-wall in the center of the space so that the couple have to walk around it to get to the space near the window. This operation gave the couple a view each.

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Moreover, the shelf-wall cuts corners and makes new spaces in the apartment. This new space will be used for reading.

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Renovation projects always have to take over the negative part of old buildings.

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Architects are troubled with structure, positioning of windows, equipments and existing ceiling height.

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But, for example, we reformed the window frame as a bench and display space, succeeded in making highest ceiling level by using stand light and bracket light carefully.

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We think that we could response to the old building with respect.

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Project name : House in HIYOSHI
Architect: HIROYUKI TANAKA ARCHITECTS
Date: 2008
Area: 100sqm
Location: Kanagawa, Japan
Photography: Takumi Ota