℗Photography by Kenta Hasegawa

Renovation of a 45-year-old vintage apartment building in Tokyo.

A massive cross-shaped beam runs across the living space, and I felt that while it imposed certain constraints on the floor plan, it created an extremely appealing topography that seemed to envelop the space from above. However, because the existing units featured typical family-style layouts consisting of a self-contained group of private rooms, the cross-shaped beam appeared fragmented, failing to fully capitalize on the topography’s strengths. I envisioned a scene where the family lives together under a single beam, making the most of the topography.

First, the finishes on the beams were removed to expose the concrete and reveal the natural contours of the terrain.
Partitions and finishes were limited to the areas beneath the beams, preserving the beams’ integrity. The gaps between the beams and walls create a sense of continuity throughout the space, resulting in a dynamic living environment where the rooms influence one another.

A transom was installed beneath the longitudinal beam, and the space was constructed using a variety of materials, including rattan-covered sliding doors, perforated panels, lauan walls, and lauan doors. Additionally, the wall finishes in the four rooms created by the cross beams were varied to distinguish the character of each space.

The kitchen and bed area, used for meals and sleeping, were positioned away from the beams and designed on a scale closer to the human body.

We interpreted the existing topography and established a close relationship with the beams. We were able to create a way of life unique to this place, where the family can feel embraced by the beams as they live together.

We renovated a 45-year-old vintage apartment building in Tokyo. A massive cross-shaped beam ran through the residence. The beam restricted the floor plan, but we felt it created an exceptionally attractive visual element, with a sense of inclusiveness that seemed to envelop the space from above. However, the existing home had a typical family layout, consisting solely of a cluster of private rooms. As a result, the beam appeared fragmented, and the floor plan did not fully capitalize on the natural beauty of the space. We envisioned a living environment that would make the most of this visual element, with a family of four living together beneath the beam.

First, the beam’s finish was stripped away to expose the concrete, revealing the shape of the landscape. Partitions and finishes are raised to the height of the beam so as not to obscure it. A refreshing breeze flows in from the nearby river, connecting the east and west sides of the house. The entire space is interconnected through the gaps between the beams and walls, creating a living space rich in variety where the rooms influence one another.

A lintel is placed beneath the long beam, and the wall is constructed using a variety of materials, including rattan-clad sliding doors, perforated panels, lauan walls, and lauan doors. The rattan-clad doors can be moved along the lintels, and additional doors can be added to create private rooms. A flexible design was needed to accommodate changes in the family as the children grow. The four rooms created by the cross beams feature different wall finishes, giving each a distinct character. The kitchen and bedside tables, used for eating and sleeping, are set back from the beams, bringing them closer to human scale.

By interpreting the existing landscape and establishing an intimate connection with the beams, we were able to create a lifestyle unique to this location, where the family is mindful of living together while being embraced by the beams.

February 8, 2026
Featured on ArchDaily.