‘setagaya flat’ by naruse inokuma architects + hiroko karibe architects images © masao nishikawa

japanese architects jun inokuma of naruse inokuma and hiroko karibe have completed a renovation of their flat in setagaya, tokyo, japan. faced with the inability to substantially alter the structural arrangement, the duo relied on modest but fundamental improvements to the programatic organization, and surface level cosmetic changes. delicately balancing new and old, the design seeks to emphasize the previously hidden characteristics of both preceding inhabitants and the original framework.

naruse inokuma architects + hiroko karibe architects: setagaya flat entrance

ordered around a central corridor, the residence consists of defined yet intersecting environments, whose planes and textures appear to slightly overlap.

naruse inokuma architects + hiroko karibe architects: setagaya flat main corridor

the walls were stripped back to expose the rough and imperfect concrete shell, revealing at the same time layers of plasterwork

and wallpaper. additional putty was applied in the same manner as the original to emphasize the tactility and contrast of  materials.

naruse inokuma architects + hiroko karibe architects: setagaya flat atelier

panels of larch plywood define the transition between each environment while adding a sense of warmth to the otherwise cool

and neutral space.

naruse inokuma architects + hiroko karibe architects: setagaya flat tatami room

large windows line the north side of the unit, flooding the home with vast amounts of natural light.

naruse inokuma architects + hiroko karibe architects: setagaya flat view into kitchen, living room and dining room

in the kitchen, open shelves and storage emphasize the relaxed and minimal approach to design.

naruse inokuma architects + hiroko karibe architects: setagaya flat plaster and glue covered some of the original concrete walls, and was discovered after layers of wallpaper were removed

naruse inokuma architects + hiroko karibe architects: setagaya flat living room and dining room

naruse inokuma architects + hiroko karibe architects: setagaya flat (left) detail of overlapping materials (right) detail of open kitchen

naruse inokuma architects + hiroko karibe architects: setagaya flat overall view of kitchen

naruse inokuma architects + hiroko karibe architects: setagaya flat floor plan / level 0

naruse inokuma architects + hiroko karibe architects: setagaya flat (left) before (right) after