raumus turns 40-year-old aparment into a serene office in Japan
Raumus completes the renovation of Soft Workspace, a 40-year-old residential apartment in Yakuin, Japan, transforming it into an office with a soft, floating atmosphere. The space, marked by traces of former residents and the passage of time, is subtly preserved by covering the existing walls with thin fabric or translucent paint. This gesture balances the retention of historical elements with the creation of a fresh, contemporary workspace. A large fixture combined with fabric divides the central area, creating flexible partitions that separate the office space from the meeting area.
all images by YASHIRO PHOTO OFFICE, courtesy of raumus
Soft Workspace features adaptable sight and sound partitions
In Soft Workspace, Raumus removes all partition walls to create a single open room. The Japanese practice strips back the cross-laid concrete walls, covering them with a thin layer of translucent paint or fabric to present them as abstract surfaces. This technique softens the strong impression of the old walls while maintaining a connection to the space’s history. The fabric fixture allows for adaptable sight, air, and sound partitions based on usage needs, enhancing functionality within the open-plan layout.
Soft Workspace transformed from a 40-year-old apartment
Raumus’ renovation highlights traces of former residents
translucent paint and thin fabric cover the old walls, preserving their historical essence
a large fabric fixture divides the central area, creating flexible partitions for various office needs
the office space features adaptable sight, air, and sound partitions
Soft Workspace showcases a delicate balance between old and new
the open-plan layout promotes a floating, soft atmosphere
Raumus strips back cross-laid concrete walls, presenting them as abstract surfaces
the thin layer of translucent paint softens the strong impression of the old walls
project info:
name: Soft Workspace
designer: raumus | @raumus_takeda
lead designer: Masashi Takeda
location: Yakuin, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, Japan
photographer: YASHIRO PHOTO OFFICE
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edited by: thomai tsimpou | designboom
