schemata architects contrasts organic and inorganic elements in japanese house renovation

schemata architects has renovated a traditional japanese house into a residence and office. hojo sanci is located in kamakura, a quite residential district with plenty of greenery, which extends into the building’s garden. the renovation is characterized by repetitive contrasts between organic and inorganic elements that create an integrated atmosphere in the house.

all photos by kenta hasegawa

hojo sanci is a typical japanese house where all rooms face outside, where schemata architects has removed all fusuma (wood-framed paper sliding doors), turning the interior into one single open space and focusing on floor heights and finishes to define the different spatial zones. a tatami floor area is raised 40cm above the ground at the entrance, which has been used to determine the height, dimension and finish of the floors in other areas. each room is distinguished from the others using different types of furniture, while gray-colored pieces have been placed in some spaces to moderate excessive spatial diversity. an authentic japanese-style room with an engawa (an edging strip or a kind of veranda along the outer perimeter of a house) is directly connected to the garden on the west side, while an earth-floored space, surrounded by gray-colored desks, extends from the entrance to the center of the house, loosely dividing and connecting the two spaces.