alpha.co.ltd KYOTO OFFICE

DirectionDesign

2022.4.26

The Kyoto office includes a kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom, presenting the challenge of how to create a comfortable environment that balances the functions of living space and office while eliminating any sense of domesticity.

The key feature is the varying heights of the residential spaces, which creates a three-dimensional separation within the area. The tatami room and bedroom, as well as the kitchen and bathroom, are designed to be several steps higher than the living space, divided by shoji screens. This intentional elevation requires removing shoes before entering, establishing a clear boundary both visually and psychologically.

While this design separates the spaces, the use of Mortex material for the walls and floors fosters a sense of unity. The design maintains distinct areas while avoiding a loss of cohesiveness.

The shoji screens feature washi paper adhered to both sides, allowing for a minimalist design that easily blends traditional and contemporary styles. The kitchen cabinets are designed to conceal everyday items by closing all doors, preventing any sense of domestic clutter. Conversely, opening the doors reveals colorful shelves, creating a fusion of inorganic and organic elements.

This space connects work and home, inorganic and organic, sophistication and uniqueness, merging these contrasting elements harmoniously.