sinato reorganizes tama N apartment with interior facade

sinato reorganizes tama N apartment with interior facade
photo by takumi ota
all images courtesy of sinato

japanese design studio sinato has renovated a twenty-five year old apartment in tokyo. ‘tama N’, a home for a married couple, transforms conventional living quarters into a series of functional and elegant spaces, defined by a single wooden wall.

the dining area of the home

the partition, inserted throughout the entire length of the unit, assigns each area of the residence its own distinct character, relating to the way it will be occupied and used by its inhabitants. perceptions of individual and collective space are further changed through the various openings in the wall’s façade.

the brightly lit tatami space and more private lounge area

the previously dark and unwelcoming entrance has been extended, with a lowered floor stretching laterally, allowing natural light to enter through an adjacent window. importantly, the new design provides views of external foliage, forging a closer relationship with nature.

the partition assigns each area of the residence its own distinct character

view of the dining area from the kitchen

the rear of the apartment is bathed in natural light

the secluded lounge area

the residence’s washroom

looking from the kitchen towards the bathroom area

the entrance has been extended allowing natural light to enter through an adjacent window

floorplan showing the new wall, and the subsequent division of space

model showing spatial relationships within the design

project info:

designer: chikara ohno
type: private residence
size: 80.73 sqm (869 sqf)
location: tama-shi, tokyo, japan
completed: 2012

construction: yoshinaga industrial
lighting: FDS
photography: takumi ota