internal system of partitions and openings revives apartment in tokyo’s suburbs

the project revamps the rigid grid plan and introduces subtle variations, or 'nuances', in spatial composition, color, and materials.

Yota Hoki edited by christina vergopoulou October 22, 2023 3 min

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HAMS and, Studio’s One Nuance rearranges apartment’s layout

HAMS and, Studio takes over the renovation of an apartment in Tokyo‘s suburbs, tailoring it for a forward-looking, flexible lifestyle. The project revamps the rigid grid plan and introduces subtle variations, or ‘nuances’, in spatial composition, color, and materials. The aim is to create an adaptable living space that accommodates the diverse activities of a working couple. Embracing the unique features of the corner-room layout, the design eliminates the original corridors, replacing them with smaller rooms arranged along the exterior walls. This transformation creates a bright, open area, enhancing the sense of overall spaciousness.

internal system of partitions and openings revives apartment in tokyo's suburbs - 1 — all images by Akira Nakamura

subtle textures and unified color palette adorn the living space

The living room, designed as an open zone, connects directly to the smaller rooms, fostering a lively and relaxed atmosphere. The double-opening design, incorporating ‘outer openings’ for light and ‘inner openings’ framing living activities, adds continuity and expansiveness to the interior space. The inner facade varies in appearance based on the purpose of each room and the type of partition used, creating nuanced viewports within the home. The design team opts for different finishes, such as robust plastering for the internal walls and glossy solid finishes for passages to the living room. These subtle textures, along with a unified color palette adorn the flexible living space, offering inhabitants a dynamic environment.

internal system of partitions and openings revives apartment in tokyo's suburbs - 2 — the unique double-opening design of ‘inner and outer openings’ creates continuity and expansiveness

internal system of partitions and openings revives apartment in tokyo's suburbs - 3 — the ‘outer openings’ bring natural light inside the space and ‘inner openings’ frame living activities

internal system of partitions and openings revives apartment in tokyo's suburbs - 4 — depending on the purpose of the smaller rooms, the inner openings change in form

one-nuance-hams-studio-renovation-apartment-tokyo-designboom-1800-3 — the ‘nuances’ are incorporated in spatial composition, color, and materials

internal system of partitions and openings revives apartment in tokyo's suburbs - 5 — the walls of the small rooms, coated with a glossy finish, serve as light passages to the living room

one-nuance-hams-studio-renovation-apartment-tokyo-designboom-1800-2 — embracing the unique features of the corner-room layout, the design eliminates the original corridors

internal system of partitions and openings revives apartment in tokyo's suburbs - 6 — the living room, designed as an open zone, connects directly to the smaller rooms

HAMS and, Studio applies robust plastering on the internal walls and glossy solid finishes on the passages

project info:

name: One Nuance
architect: HAMS and, Studio | @hamsand.studio + Yota Hokibara

structure: Roovice | @roovice

real estate: Around Architecture | @around_architecture_

iron crafts: Kozuka manufacturer

location: Tokyo, Japan

photography: Akira Nakamura | @nakamamej

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