House W｜Far East Design Lab.
Having lived surrounded by wood interiors in Thailand, the client desired a cool and modern residence upon returning to Japan. With a long history of overseas living, the client’s vision for the interior was clear from the outset. The design embraces the solid presence of reinforced concrete combined with a monochromatic palette.
The first floor, the heart of the family’s daily life, features a polished concrete surface finished with the CRT Diamond Floor method, lending a refined tactile quality. Matte white walls finished in plaster contrast with selectively placed gray walls, providing subtle accents within the predominantly white spatial composition. The main lighting fixtures are strikingly stylish pieces by MODULAR, contributing both presence and sophistication to the interior.
This residence is organized vertically with a guest room in the basement and a private family zone on the second floor, interconnected by three distinct living rooms, each with its own character.
<Entrance Living Room>
Located on the first floor, continuing directly from the entrance, this living room faces a traditional Japanese garden to the north through low-set windows, and opens onto the courtyard to the south. It also serves as a transitional buffer space connecting the other two living areas. The Japanese garden was a deliberate inclusion requested by the husband to provide overseas guests with a tangible experience of Japanese culture.
<Living-Dining Room>
The main living-dining area, directly connected via a split-level from the entrance living room, features expansive windows overlooking the courtyard. This space symbolizes the core of daily family life, subtly linked to the children’s bedrooms, the husband’s study, and the wife’s kitchen and utility areas, allowing for a sense of presence without compromising privacy.
<Private Living Room>
Designed as a guest lounge, this living room faces a dry garden area, offering a comfortable ambiance that makes one forget it is located underground.
