natural textures and safety-first design revitalize green life shonan nursing home in japan

MOMENT Inc. renovates nursing home facility in Japan

MOMENT Inc. takes on the spatial design and signage of Green Life Shonan, a nursing home nestled in the greenery of Fujisawa City, Japan. Established in 1997, the facility underwent a renovation intending to harmonize the essential cleanliness, functionality, and durability of a medical environment with a warm, inviting atmosphere. To achieve this, the studio incorporated natural materials like wood and tiles, emphasizing their textures to foster a connection with nature and elevate residents’ comfort. The placement and size of the signage are planned to integrate with the building’s overall appearance, organically guiding the approaching visitors. To ensure the safety and well-being of residents, rounded forms were incorporated into the space and the furniture, minimizing the impact of potential falls.

all images by Mariko Yasaka, courtesy of MOMENT Inc.

Green Life Shonan features a sterile yet warm interior

Upon entering the facility, visitors are welcomed into an entrance hall featuring unglazed tiles, black-stained shoe cabinets with a brushed wood finish, and deeply carved wooden ceilings, all dispelling the typical sterile feel of healthcare environments. The atrium serves as a central gathering space for residents, hosting day-service activities such as recreational programs and meals. Green Life Shonan’s interior is bathed in soft, cascading illumination designed to mimic natural sunlight, creating a comfortable and pleasant environment. To enhance the brightness of the space, MOMENT Inc. places glass panels in the atrium. These panels feature a gradient effect that blurs edges, creating a soft impression and connecting the first with the second floor. Paying attention to detail, the Japan-based studio restructures necessary elements, such as the thickness of fixture frames and the design of room name signs, to present a clean, graphical appearance.

MOMENT Inc. takes on the spatial design and signage of Green Life Shonan

these panels feature a gradient effect that blurs edges

the studio incorporated natural materials like wood and tiles

sofr textures elevate residents’ comfort

the placement and size of the signage are planned to integrate with the building’s overall appearance

rounded forms mnimize the impact of potential falls

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the atrium serves as a central gathering space for residents

MOMENT Inc. places glass panels in the atrium

Green Life Shonan’s interior is bathed in soft, cascading illumination

the Japan-based studio restructures necessary elements

thickness of fixture frames and the design of room name signs present a clean appearance

deeply carved wooden ceilings dispel the sterile feel of healthcare environments

the facility's renovation harmonizes the cleanliness of a medical environment with a warm atmosphere

the material palette fosters a connection with nature

neon signage breathes new life in the facility's exterior

established in 1997, the facility underwent a renovation

a nursing home nestled in the greenery of Fujisawa City, Japan

signage organically guides visitors from the approach

project info:

name: Green Life Shonan
architect: MOMENT Inc. | @moment.news
location: Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan

photographer: Mariko Yasaka | @marikoyasaka

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edited by: thomai tsimpou | designboom