A place where the serene appearance and bold space structure resonate with each other.
The house, created by Maekawa Kunio, a pioneer in modernism, woven a story that goes beyond architecture.
It was born under difficult wartime circumstances, and despite changing its appearance amidst the changing times, its essence has never changed and captivated people.
Dynamic space flow and delicate designs residing in the details.
You will be immersed in the quiet aftertaste of this unique architecture and the mizuiro ind.
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Maekawa Kunio trained in Paris under the master of modern architecture Le Corbusier, and after returning to Japan he gained experience under Antonin Raymond. He worked at Tokyo Bunka Hall and Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Art, and made his name as a representative of Japan's modernist architecture.
Originally designed as a house where Maekawa lives alone, the building began to be used as a residential and office after the Ginza office was burned down in 1945.
Drawing tables were placed on the living room and the second floor, and the study was used as a rest area for guests and staff.
When the office moved to Yotsuya in 1954, it was once again exclusively for residential use, and in 1956, earthquake-resistant reinforcements and kitchens were added.
It has also been renovated to suit everyday life, such as changing the flooring to P-tile.
It was a living space that surpassed the constraints, and it was also a place where we explored new possibilities for architecture.
After being demolished in 1973, the parts were preserved inside the villa in Karuizawa, and after restoration work, they appeared again at Edo Tokyo Tatomo Garden.
This architecture conveys Maekawa Kunio's ingenuity and architectural philosophy in his youth.
The charm of this home is consolidated in the dynamism of the space.
The living room is located in the center, and the bedrooms and study are arranged on both sides.
In addition to its simplicity, the harmony of materials such as vertical wood, shoji screens, and glass lattice windows gives off a Japanese feel, while unique details such as door bags that rotate 90 degrees add a modern personality.
The difference in elevation created by the large roof in the center makes the living room an open, open space.
By placing bedrooms on both ends, the entire space brings rhythm and depth.
And the loft-like second floor, connected by wooden stairs, emphasizes the continuity of the up and down.
The attention to detail is also one of the highlights of this building.
The design intentionally exposes the joists below the stairs while reducing the sense of weight, giving the entire space a sophisticated impression.
The display shelves on the second floor also function as displays, adding a visual richness.
Other details such as the lattice design on the kitchen boiler, the door handles, and the openings of the fence made of Oya stone are packed with charms that you won't want to miss.
This home, which allows for diverse space experiences within a limited area, eloquently speaks to how Maekawa Kunio pursued the possibilities of architecture.
Maekawa pursued the fusion of functionality and beauty, and harmony with nature.
The space, which is reconstructed with modern sensibilities, uses traditional wooden architecture and uses traditional techniques, brings visitors an emotional touch that goes beyond time.
The living room features large windows that integrate with the garden, and a poetic landscape woven with light and shadows spreads out, giving you a sense of the symbiosis between nature and humans.
Visit this space and get to know the architecture story drawn by Maekawa Kunio.
Edo Tokyo Tatonoen Maekawa Kunio residence:
3-7-1 Sakuramachi, Koganei City, Tokyo 184-0005 (inside Tokyo Metropolitan Koganei Park)
https://www.tatemonoen.jp/
STAFF
photo: Sodai Yokoyama
hair & make-up: Yoko Hirakawa (mod’s hair)
model: Hiromi Ando
edit & text: Masamichi Hayashi (SARUTA9), Misaki Imamura
production management: Tryout
