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An Ambiguous Zone Connecting Interior and Exterior.
The doma is a rich, ambiguous space that is neither fully exterior nor interior. It allows for activities without removing shoes, making it versatile for tasks such as gardening, bicycle maintenance, and DIY projects. By incorporating the traditional Japanese doma concept into modern residences, the scope of daily living is expanded.
Spacious Earthen Floor Area Extending from the Entrance.
By extending the earthen floor beyond the entrance to the living room and kitchen, a dynamic spatial experience is created. This design enhances practicality by allowing bicycles and strollers to be pushed directly inside and providing a temporary storage area for shopping bags. The earthen floor becomes an integral part of the daily circulation, resulting in a flexible and functional living environment.
Flooring Materials: Mortar and Tiles.
For earthen floors, hard and durable materials such as mortar finishes, tile installations, or exposed aggregate surfaces are suitable. The atmosphere can vary significantly depending on the color and texture, so select materials that harmonize with the overall design of the residence. The choice of material ultimately defines the character of the earthen floor.
Seating Area Utilizing Level Differences.
By incorporating a level difference between the earthen floor and the interior floor, the stepped section serves as a seating area. Occupants can sit on the interior side to put on shoes or sit on the earthen floor side to enjoy views of the garden, enabling versatile usage. The level difference creates a distinct place within the space.
Compatibility with Wood-Burning Stoves.
Installing a wood-burning stove on an earthen floor allows you to leverage the floor's fire-resistant properties. Tasks such as carrying in firewood and cleaning out ashes can be performed on the earthen floor without concern for dirt or damage. The lifestyle centered around the warmth of the fire harmonizes exceptionally well with the earthen floor.
Storage for Bicycles and Motorcycles.
With a dirt floor area, bicycles and motorcycles can be stored indoors. This eliminates concerns about theft and provides protection from rain and wind. Maintenance work can also be performed on the dirt floor, allowing the space to function as an area to enjoy your hobby. The dirt floor thus serves as a garage for your prized vehicles.
Earthen Floor as a Workspace.
For activities that involve dirt and mess, such as DIY projects, pottery, and gardening, an earthen floor provides an ideal workspace. It allows for the use of water and tolerates floor soiling without concern, enabling full concentration on the task at hand. By installing workbenches and shelving, the space can also function effectively as a professional-grade atelier.
Ideal for Living with Pets.
For households with dogs, the earthen floor area allows for wiping paws after walks and storing pet supplies. This space provides a comfortable environment for pets, functioning as an intermediate zone between the interior and exterior. The earthen floor plays a significant role in harmonious living with pets.
Thermal Insulation, Airtightness, and Thermal Environment.
Since the earthen floor tends to become cold during winter, enhancing thermal insulation and airtightness improves comfort. Conversely, it also offers the benefit of feeling cooler in summer. Adjusting the thermal environment according to the seasons is key to ensuring year-round comfort.
Multipurpose functionality enabled by storage shelving.
By installing storage shelves on the walls of the earthen floor area, a variety of items such as shoes, outdoor equipment, tools, and gardening supplies can be organized efficiently. Both open shelves and those with doors can be selected according to the intended use. Enhanced storage capacity improves the functionality of the earthen floor space.
A Place for Family Gatherings.
By integrating the earthen floor area with the dining and living spaces, it becomes a lively place where the family gathers. Placing tables and chairs on the earthen floor allows for dining, children’s play, and other flexible uses. The earthen floor becomes the focal point of daily life.
Fusion of Tradition and Modernity.
The doma is a traditional Japanese space, but by integrating it with contemporary design, a new appeal emerges. Combining modern furniture and lighting creates a unique blend of Japanese and Western aesthetics. While inheriting tradition, create a doma that suits modern living.
Optimization of the Work Triangle.
The triangular workflow connecting the sink, stove, and refrigerator is referred to as the "work triangle." It is considered efficient when the total length of these three sides falls within approximately 3.6 to 6 meters. If the points are too close, workspace becomes insufficient; if too far apart, excessive movement occurs. Therefore, it is advisable to arrange these elements with an appropriate balance in distance to ensure optimal functionality.
Counter Height and Depth.
The height of the kitchen counter should be tailored to the user's height. Generally, the guideline is "height ÷ 2 + 5 cm," but it is recommended to experience and verify the most comfortable height in showrooms or similar settings. The standard depth is approximately 60 to 65 cm; however, if a larger workspace is desired, a depth of around 75 cm may be used.
Enhanced Storage Planning.
The kitchen accommodates a vast array of items, including tableware, cooking utensils, ingredients, and appliances. By clearly defining storage locations for each category, an efficient and aesthetically pleasing kitchen environment is achieved. It is essential to plan storage based on usage frequency and weight, placing frequently used items within easy reach and heavier items in lower compartments.
Ventilation Planning and Selection of Exhaust Fans.
Efficient removal of smoke and odors during cooking is essential for a comfortable kitchen environment. Range hoods should be evaluated not only for their exhaust capacity but also for noise reduction and aesthetic design. In the case of open kitchens, it is particularly worthwhile to consider high-performance ventilation systems that effectively minimize the spread of odors into the living and dining areas.
Trash Bin Placement Space
Often overlooked, the location of trash bins is crucial. It is important to secure sufficient space to accommodate separated waste and to plan their placement so as not to obstruct circulation paths. Integrating pull-out trash bins under counters or situating them within pantries helps maintain a clean and organized kitchen environment.
Balancing Functionality and Ambiance in Lighting Design.
Separating task lighting that brightly illuminates work surfaces from ambient lighting that shapes the overall atmosphere allows for a harmonious integration of functionality and aesthetics. Incorporating multiple lighting elements—such as installing LED lights beneath hanging cabinets and adding pendant lights as accents—creates a kitchen that is both beautiful and highly functional.
Material Selection and Maintainability.
When selecting materials for countertops, door panels, and flooring, consider not only aesthetics but also maintainability. Stainless steel offers high durability, while engineered marble provides a wide variety of colors and patterns. Choosing door panel materials that are easy to clean will facilitate daily upkeep. It is essential to select materials with consideration for their aging characteristics over time.
Selection and Usability of Faucets
There are various types of faucets, including single-lever, touchless, and integrated water purifier models. Choosing a faucet that balances usability and design enhances daily operational efficiency. Hose pull-out faucets are particularly convenient for cleaning the sink and filling large pots.
Planning for Pantries and Rear Storage
When kitchen and rear storage alone are insufficient, incorporating a pantry proves effective. Consolidating food stock, appliance storage, and trash bin placement in a single area allows the main kitchen space to remain uncluttered and functional. The size of the pantry and the depth of its shelves should be planned according to the items intended for storage.
Choosing Between Open-Plan and Closed Kitchens.
If you wish to cook while communicating with your family, an open-plan kitchen is suitable; if you prefer to focus solely on cooking, a closed kitchen is more appropriate. Even with an open-plan design, adjusting the counter height to conceal the workspace or using hanging cabinets to create a gentle partition can provide a moderate degree of separation.
Selection of Flooring Materials and Comfort Underfoot.
In kitchens where prolonged standing is required, comfort underfoot is also crucial. Considering flooring materials with cushioning properties or the installation of underfloor heating can create a kitchen environment that reduces fatigue. Additionally, it is important to choose materials that are easy to maintain, even when exposed to splashes of water or oil.
Designing with Future Changes in Mind.
Flexibility to accommodate changes in family composition and lifestyle is essential. Priorities shift over time—for example, prioritizing storage during child-rearing years and emphasizing shorter circulation paths in later life. By securing space for additional storage and designing for easy replacement of equipment, the kitchen can remain functional and adaptable over the long term.
Q&A
House with a Doma|Stylish Kitchens|Q&A
What is the practical size to allocate for a doma (earthen floor space)?
The appropriate size varies depending on its intended use, but an area of approximately 4 to 6 tatami mats allows for versatile functionality. For storage of bicycles or strollers, 2 to 3 tatami mats may suffice. Considering the family composition and lifestyle, it is advisable to design with some margin to accommodate potential future changes in use.
What materials are suitable for flooring in earthen-floored spaces (doma)?
Common materials include tamped earth (sanwado), mortar, and tiles. Mortar is relatively inexpensive and provides a clean finish but requires measures to prevent cracking. Tiles offer excellent ease of cleaning and a wide range of design options. Natural tamped earth has moisture-regulating properties but requires regular maintenance. Selection should be made according to the intended use.
How should the boundary between the earthen floor area and the living space be planned?
It is common practice to establish a clear distinction by incorporating a step or level difference. A height difference of approximately 15 to 20 centimeters helps prevent the intrusion of dust and dirt. Using sliding doors or shoji screens as partitions allows for flexible control between openness and privacy. Additionally, to maintain thermal performance, proper insulation and airtightness treatment at the boundary are crucial considerations.
What are the appropriate methods for implementing thermal insulation measures in earthen floors?
The standard practice is to install insulation materials beneath the earthen floor slab, known as slab insulation. It is essential to use airtight gaskets between the foundation and the sill plate to prevent cold air infiltration into the interior. Additionally, an appropriate ventilation strategy is necessary to address condensation issues. Designing with consideration for the overall thermal performance balance of the entire residence is crucial.
Is ventilation equipment necessary for work conducted on earthen floors?
Depending on the nature of the work, we recommend installing exhaust fans to manage odors, humidity, and dust emissions. It is effective to combine mechanical ventilation with natural ventilation. Please also consider integrating the system with a 24-hour ventilation system.
Is it possible to design with an emphasis on the connection between the earthen floor space and the garden?
By incorporating sliding doors that provide direct access from the doma to the garden and creating large openings without level differences, a seamless integration between indoor and outdoor spaces can be achieved. Techniques such as extending the eaves to form a semi-outdoor area or continuing the doma flooring material onto the outdoor terrace are also effective. This approach results in a highly attractive residence that allows for gardening activities even during rainy weather.
What are the key layout points for achieving a refined kitchen?
It is essential to base the design on the work triangle concept—optimizing the placement of the sink, stove, and refrigerator—to enhance operational efficiency while balancing aesthetic appeal. An island kitchen layout offers a sense of openness, whereas a peninsula layout improves efficiency. Storage should primarily consist of concealed cabinetry, and countertops should be designed to minimize clutter, maintaining a clean and streamlined appearance.
Which is recommended: an open-plan kitchen or a closed kitchen?
The optimal choice depends on your family's lifestyle. An open-plan kitchen is recommended for those who prioritize communication with family members, while a closed kitchen is suitable for those who prefer to focus on cooking or wish to conceal the kitchen area when entertaining guests.
What are the key points to consider in kitchen lighting design?
It is essential to balance sufficient brightness for work surfaces with the creation of aesthetically pleasing shadows. Differentiate the use of task lighting for handwork, base lighting for overall illumination, and accent lighting to set the ambiance. In particular, for island kitchens, careful attention should be paid to the height and placement of pendant lights to harmonize functionality and design.
Are there methods to integrate refrigerators, which often convey a sense of everyday life, seamlessly into the spatial design?
Selecting furniture-style refrigerators that allow the application of the same paneling as the kitchen cabinetry on their doors, or opting for built-in refrigerator models, helps them blend harmoniously into the space, creating a clean and cohesive impression. Additionally, designing the refrigerator alcove recessed into the wall to reduce its visibility from the front is an effective strategy.
What are the key strategies for skillfully balancing "display storage" and "concealed storage" to maintain a sophisticated kitchen?
Beautiful cookware and favorite tableware used daily are showcased as "display storage" on open shelves or glass-fronted wall cabinets, serving as accent elements within the space. Meanwhile, appliances, food stocks, and other items that tend to reveal everyday life are neatly stored as "concealed storage" in large pantries or cupboards with doors. This approach is essential for achieving both aesthetic appeal and functional convenience.
Regarding the popular "pantry," what type is best for creating a refined impression in the kitchen?
A separate "walk-in" pantry that is not visible from the kitchen completely conceals everyday clutter, making it easier to maintain a clean and streamlined space. On the other hand, a "wall-mounted" pantry that utilizes part of a wall can create a sophisticated look by matching the door design with the kitchen cabinetry or surrounding walls, effectively minimizing the visual presence of the storage. In both cases, having adjustable shelving is convenient as it allows flexibility to accommodate changes in stored items.
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