kosaku eliminates internal hierarchies for a flexible living layout in osaka

KOSAKU Transforms Osaka Apartment into Dynamic ‘Home Ground’

KOSAKU transforms a young family’s apartment in Osaka into a flexible open space inspired by the concept of Home Ground, reminiscent of a park. The design prioritizes adaptability, eliminating internal hierarchies, and strategically integrating elements for comfort and privacy, creating a dynamic living space in sync with the family’s evolution.

Engaged in the project from property selection, KOSAKU guided the clients to opt for an apartment with a unique layout, featuring 70 sqm indoors and a substantial 35 sqm backyard. Situated in a ‘commuter town’ surrounded by various parks, the environmental context played a crucial role in the decision-making process, especially for a family with a newborn. Rather than adhering to a conventional layout, the concept envisioned a space that would accommodate the evolving needs of a growing family. Inspired by the abundant parks in the vicinity, the concept of a ‘home ground’ emerged—a space combining the functionality and openness found in parks.

Reimagined Apartment Balances Openness and Functionality

The reimagined apartment features a large studio layout with removed walls between rooms, fostering a sense of openness and flexibility. Balancing fixed elements like plumbing, furniture, and a walk-in closet with an open layout, the design avoids internal hierarchies. The interplay between functionality and openness is embodied in elements like a wide corridor running behind a countertop or tiles on a wall, creating an abstract space.

Addressing the initially uncomfortable backyard, the design team at KOSAKU introduced a mesh boundary within the existing fence, providing privacy and a sense of being at home in the outdoor space. The project underscores the importance of nurturing family growth alongside the home, emphasizing the gradual development of intertwining temporalities within the living space. As the family navigates between functionality and openness, the home ground becomes a canvas for their unique ways of engaging with their living environment over time.

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project info:

name: Home Ground

architect: KOSAKU | @kosaku__

lead architect: Kosaku Matsumoto

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