House K by Kii inc.
Architecture firm Kii inc., led by Satoshi Arai and Kei Nakatomi, has completed a thoughtful renovation of a 50-year-old apartment in Tokyo's Meguro district, transforming it into a harmonious live-work environment that celebrates natural light and seasonal changes.
The project, named House K, embodies the studio's philosophy, which draws inspiration from the ancient Japanese word "Kii" - meaning pleasure, relaxation and enjoyment. This concept guides the firm's approach to creating spaces that transcend conventional architectural solutions.
Perched on an elevated site overlooking a river, the apartment benefits from unobstructed views of Tokyo's urban landscape, thanks to favorable zoning regulations that prevent tall buildings from blocking the vista. The U-shaped floor plan, featuring windows on three sides, creates a constant dialogue between interior and exterior spaces.
"The topography and long history of human presence create a unique spatial quality that is entirely site-specific," explains Arai. "Our intervention maximizes these existing elements while introducing contemporary comfort and functionality."
The designers have skillfully reimagined the apartment's internal layout, creating a flowing sequence of connected spaces that maintain visual continuity while preserving natural ventilation patterns. Rather than implementing rigid divisions, the studio has developed a more nuanced approach to spatial organization, allowing residents to inhabit different areas freely while remaining connected to the overall atmosphere.
A sophisticated material palette merges old with new, combining existing structural elements with carefully selected contemporary finishes. The project showcases the craftsmanship of local artisans, whose work is evident in the detailed joinery and custom fixtures throughout the space, creating what the architects describe as "a comfortable space through the layering of different qualities."
Environmental considerations played a crucial role in the renovation strategy. The western façade features double-glazed wooden sash windows that moderate solar gain and improve thermal performance. The careful positioning of fixtures and fittings creates comfortable microclimates throughout the apartment, ensuring year-round livability.
On the south-facing elevation, translucent curtains act as a dynamic element, their appearance shifting with changing light conditions and catching the movement of wind. The adjacent balcony hosts carefully selected plantings that mark the passing of seasons through their changing foliage, blooms, and fruits.
"We envision this space as a living entity that will continue to evolve," says Nakatomi. "The interplay between the existing architecture, our interventions, and the future layers added through daily life will create an increasingly rich and nuanced environment over time."
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More detailed information on the Kii inc. can be found via this website.
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