Breeze House

Kanagawa, Japan
Photo © Kai Nakamura

The client is a family of three with a young child. They wanted an open layout that would allow the family to stay connected as the child grows. Except for a white box-shaped area enclosing the plumbing and utility functions, the space was transformed into one large room. Furniture that does not reach the ceiling was strategically placed to visually define areas such as the bedroom and storage.
Doors were designed as part of the furniture, with square cutouts for handles to allow airflow. The bedroom can be separated with curtains so the client’s parents can stay overnight. The layout also allows for future walls to be added to create a child’s room.
Between the bedroom and living room, two doors were designed so the lower one can be closed while the upper remains slightly open—allowing parents to check on their child after bedtime.
Because the client cared deeply about materials, custom leather handles and doorstops were made in-house. These elements are designed to age beautifully over time.

Photo © Kai Nakamura
Photo © Kai Nakamura
Photo © Kai Nakamura
Photo © Kai Nakamura
Photo © Kai Nakamura
Photo © Kai Nakamura
Photo © Kai Nakamura
Photo © Kai Nakamura
Architects
Rina Chinen / MARU.CHI
Year
2017
Project Status
Built

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