24d-studio has renovated a 35-year old building kobe, japan, transforming it in an open work–live space. the dwelling was originally built as a residential unit including a small office, and had already been refurbished after the great hanshin-awaji earthquake in 1995. however, while the spatial configuration worked for the programmatic goals, the survey revealed misalignment and weakening of structural systems due to past interventions.

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all images courtesy of 24d-studio

 

 

before the 24d-studio‘s operations, the residential quarter was heavily compartmentalized, resulting in an overall lack of natural lighting and ventilation. with the desire for an open and comfortable work-live environment, the layout was reconfigured with minimal compartmentalization, allowing sufficient light and air to enter. the key element of the project was the contemporary addition of the structural arch walls, with each arch opening strategically placed to provide spatial fluidity. the wall is traditionally seen as a dividing element, but with the arch walls, spaces flow into each other, allowing the rooms to contract and expand without full separation.

 

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the space features a design studio with a workshop on the first floor and residential section on the second floor. however, all spaces can easily adapt to different daily tasks and functions. throughout the first floor, arch openings with painted intrados highlight the different characters of the space, without breaking the overall continuity. the natural light freely spills throughout the second floor due to the insertion of the structural arch walls, which divide the residential program without obscuring light and views. previously hidden within the dark attic space, the old architectural log beams have now been revealed, adding a unique historic character to the interior. vivid colors of yellow and magenta were applied to the two exterior balconies, with their color luminance affecting the exterior atmosphere and indirectly enhancing the brightness of the interior. 

 

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project info:

 

name: house of many arches
architecture office: 24d-studio
architects: fumio hirakawa and marina topunova

 

 

 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: myrto katsikopoulou | designboom