adaptable fabric partitions divide raumus' renovated soft workspace in japan

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

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