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.

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.

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project info:

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

photographer: Mariko Yasaka | @marikoyasaka

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