geometric frosted glass screens filter daylight within renovated room 1101 osaka apartment

FORM / Kouichi Kimura takes over Room 1101’s Interior renovation

Room 1101 by FORM / Kouichi Kimura Architects is the renovation of an urban apartment conceived as a secondary residence, designed to support flexible use while offering a distinct spatial experience. Located on the 11th and top floor of the building in Osaka, the apartment is defined by a five-meter-high atrium and a series of large, irregularly arranged windows that introduce abundant natural light into the interior.

The design strategy centers on the treatment of openings and the modulation of daylight. To manage the complex light conditions created by the varied window geometries, a system of walls and frosted glass screens was introduced. Positioned approximately 40 centimeters away from the existing walls, these screens soften incoming light and partially obscure the perception of the windows, transforming them into a diffuse, luminous surface. During the evening, indirect lighting integrated behind the screens produces a layered lighting effect that alters the atmosphere of the space.

Mirrored surfaces applied to suspended partition walls further extend the spatial depth, reflecting the sequence of screens and openings to create visual continuity and expansion. The apartment layout incorporates a secondary circulation route connecting the entrance to the wet areas, using subtle changes in floor level and material transitions to define zones without fully enclosing them.

all images by Norihito Yamauchi

Material Contrast and Filtered Light Define Room 1101’s Interior

At the entrance hall, a recessed wall is positioned in front of a glass block surface. Embedded frosted glass further diffuses daylight, allowing the underlying grid of the glass blocks to appear as a soft pattern. In front of this surface, a garment from the client’s fashion brand collection is displayed, treated as a sculptural element and highlighted by the filtered light.

Material choices reinforce the spatial character of the renovation. Exposed concrete finishes are retained in portions of the ceiling to preserve ceiling height and introduce textural contrast. Built-in sofa benches line sections of the wall, providing seating for multiple occupants while maintaining an open plan. A restrained color palette, combined with high-quality finishes and raw concrete elements, establishes a contemporary interior defined by material contrast and controlled light.

Through its careful manipulation of light, reflection, and circulation, Room 1101 by Studio FORM / Kouichi Kimura Architects presents a compact yet spatially layered interior that balances openness and enclosure. The project demonstrates how architectural interventions can transform an existing apartment into a flexible living environment shaped by light, material, and spatial depth.

Room 1101 is an urban apartment renovation designed as a flexible secondary residence

a five-meter-high atrium defines the central interior volume

large, irregularly arranged windows introduce natural light throughout the space

suspended partition walls incorporate mirrored surfaces to extend visual depth

daylight is transformed into a diffuse, luminous surface within the interior

reflections create continuity between screens, windows, and circulation paths

a restrained color palette emphasizes material quality and light control

light, reflection, and circulation shape a layered yet compact interior environment

exposed concrete ceilings preserve height and introduce material contrast

a garment from the client’s fashion brand is displayed as a sculptural element

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project info:

name: Room 1101

architects: FORM / Kouichi Kimura Architects | @form.kouichi_kimura.architec

location: Osaka, Japan

area: 77,73 sqm

photographer: Norihito Yamauchi