‘room n3w’ by in sapporo hokkaido, japan image courtesy of nagai anna

japanese firm gl / sasaki yusuke + sekiguchi satomi has completed an apartment renovation located in sapporo hokkaido, japan. originally divided into multiple spaces along the south facade, this now unified and spacious room features an open plan organization that eliminates isolating walls. an oversized and centrally located wooden table measuring 1.2m by 4.8m bridges the kitchen and a large bookshelf. the surface doubles as a dining table or writing desk and its large dimensions allow inhabitants to have a meal and work simultaneously without interfering with each other.

gl / sasaki yusuke + sekiguchi satomi: room n3w working at the table image courtesy of nagai anna

the long side of the table parallels a series of windows and features a raised continuous bench made of engawa – traditional wooden strip of flooring – that serves as a greenhouse, relaxation nook and additional dining seating. ideal for large gatherings or contemplative study, this renovation allows a variety of possibilities for residents to transform the space.

gl / sasaki yusuke + sekiguchi satomi: room n3w tending to the greenhouse image courtesy of nagai anna

gl / sasaki yusuke + sekiguchi satomi: room n3w a small gathering at the table image courtesy of nagai anna

gl / sasaki yusuke + sekiguchi satomi: room n3w the table image courtesy of nagai anna

gl / sasaki yusuke + sekiguchi satomi: room n3w lounging on the engawa bench image courtesy of nagai anna

gl / sasaki yusuke + sekiguchi satomi: room n3w model showing different interactions occurring within the space image courtesy of gl

gl / sasaki yusuke + sekiguchi satomi: room n3w model image courtesy of gl

gl / sasaki yusuke + sekiguchi satomi: room n3w model image courtesy of gl

gl / sasaki yusuke + sekiguchi satomi: room n3w

(left) floor plan before (right) floor plan after

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication.