I Table

Niigata, Japan

Photo © Takeru Shoji Architects

Conversions + Extensions

Architects: Takeru Shoji Architects

Location: Niigata, Japan
Year: 2007

This layout featuring a one-room living room, dining room, and kitchen was designed to fit the changing needs of a family. For example, the husband had many hobbies, and required storage area for his many possessions and space to throw parties.When visiting the house, the architect realized that storage space wasn't the issue, but that the owner needed a set location to place all the objects for his various hobbies in a way that would look more orderly.

By placing the majority of the objects he had on the floor on an expansive table with ample storage space underneath, the flow of the room was altered, changing the disorganization into a stylish element of the room.√ Although having a table installed into the house may be viewed as an obstacle by some, the inclusion of one creates a feeling of openness and connects the different sections of the room to create one, fluid room, facilitating conversation among the family. By adding parts to the table that can be removed, the family can intimately eat their dinner around the table in the kitchen.When somebody wants to be alone, instead of shutting oneself in one's room, one can sit at the one of the ends of the table (or underneath it), allowing family members their own space while keeping them tight-knit.