a.l.x. / junichi sampei: matsugaya renovation

matsugaya, a.l.x., tokyo
all images courtesy of a.l.x.
photographer: kouichi torimura


'matsugaya' by japanese architects a.l.x. is a renovation project of a single story
office in downtown tokyo. devoid of any partition walls, the space utilizes a
system of running curtains to create division in the unit.

while the space offers a number of glazings, only a single south facing window opens up
to the street with the rest facing neighboring walls. taking this limiting factor as a point
of departure, the design puts aside the traditional approach of building which examines
the relationship between the site and the project, and instead focuses on the relationship
between the structural frame and the interior.






entrance


running along the perimeter of the space, the curtains' movements are influenced by
japanese hitofude- gaki calligraphy. tracks that branch out across the unit
enable the inhabitant to define 'separate' rooms, introducing a gradual depth and
opacity while still allowing light to filter through. bands of light recessed into the
ceiling and floor further define and illuminate the area. the flexibility of the
curtain system reflects a living environment that adapts to suit the needs of the homeowner.






pre-existing built-in programs such as the kitchen, bathroom and entryway dictated the layout
of the rest of the home, ensuring an organic living arrangement.  the resulting space is a simple
and efficient dwelling which simulates lightness in a unit that is largely blocked from natural
light.















kitchen



architect junichi sampei