Takeru Shoji Architects

Renovation project to completely renovate a single condominium overlooking the Shinano River and Bandai Bridge. The 25-year-old condominium (built in 1990) has many problems that need to be solved, such as aging facilities, pillar and beam patterns that appear unevenly without consideration for the residents, low ceilings, condensation, and the existence of fire doors due to the area zoning. There are many problems that need to be solved, but they are very clear. Furthermore, the tunnel-like shape of the space, with a frontage of 7m and a depth of 18m, facing the outside at both ends, is a perfect example of a house for a couple with an adult child. Even before the planning, we had a good premonition that we could propose a special environment for "four adults" living together with their grown-up child and two spouses.

Specifically, by changing the windbreak at the entrance and removing some of the fixtures, we were able to expose an 18-meter depth that had not been visible before, creating a clear view. In addition, the long corridor space is finished with black plaster, which has a humidity control function and makes the climate of the entire house more comfortable. The existing beams that were hanging down from the ceiling were replaced by a basic ceiling at a height of 1.8m from the floor, which is lower than the beams. The existing "oppressive" feeling was transformed into a pleasant "openness". The ceiling was largely dismantled where it could be eliminated, and the concrete of the existing frame was left exposed to create a large space with a ceiling height of 2.5m. Walking around the house, one experiences the amplitude of the 1.8-meter low ceiling and the 2.5-meter high ceiling, as well as the sky that spreads out beyond it and the Shinano River that reflects it.

On the way of a walk" and "A pleasant place to stay along the way. The "very private environment," like a park that can be enjoyed in various ways by various people, is a place where people can enjoy themselves. A "very private environment" that can be enjoyed in various ways by various people. We aimed to create such a "very private environment" on the 11th floor above ground on the banks of the Shinano River.