House of Hope｜Tada Architectural Design Office
The first floor features a seamless open-plan layout integrating the living room, workspace, kitchen, and bathroom into a unified spatial experience. The second floor comprises a spacious training area reminiscent of a dance studio. This residence is not a daily living base but a private sanctuary exclusively for Mr. K to spend his cherished time pursuing his passions at his leisure.
The motivation to acquire a home solely for himself arose from the challenges of living with his wife and son in a family house overwhelmed by accumulated belongings, which made everyday life uncomfortable. Seeking a place of true respite, he decided to establish a second living base.
It was at this juncture that he encountered this house. "Although it was a detached house approximately 50 years old and showing signs of deterioration, I was captivated by the bright, warm sunlight pouring in through the skylight," Mr. K recalls. His primary desire was for a spacious environment that would allow him to relax comfortably.
On the first floor, the doma (traditional earthen floor area) was designed to allow passage by bicycle all the way through to the backyard. The central area is elevated like an island, accommodating the living room, workspace, and kitchen. At the farthest end, a bathtub was custom-built without partitions, emphasizing openness. From the entrance to the backyard, nothing obstructs the view, creating a profound sense of depth and continuity.
The second-floor training room maintains a flat floor plane and is equipped with a large wall mirror. As a nurse, Mr. K deeply understands the importance of maintaining a healthy body. He requested a home that would enable him to incorporate exercise into his daily routine to preserve endurance and muscle strength. Accordingly, the design includes features such as a sliding pole connecting the second floor to the first, and gymnastic rings installed near the bathtub for pull-ups—ingenious elements devised to support physical conditioning.
Stopping by here after work to enjoy a cup of coffee before heading home has become his moment of bliss.
