Kuma&Elsa's innovative design for Nakano House in Japan offers a unique take on modern apartment living, blending traditional Japanese aesthetics with contemporary functionality. The studio's approach involves a clever use of space, creating a central 'hut' on each floor that provides a sense of enclosure while maintaining an open, airy atmosphere. This design is inspired by the traditional Japanese engawa, a veranda space that serves as a transition between the interior and exterior of a home.
The central hut, constructed with a simple steel frame, acts as a versatile space that can be adapted to various functions. It is surrounded by a negative space, or engawa, which creates a perimeter that opens onto balconies. This design choice allows for a seamless integration of indoor and outdoor living, providing a sense of connection to nature and the surrounding environment.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this project is the use of translucent, sliding screens made of plastic framed in timber. These screens enable the bedrooms and living spaces to be opened up to the surrounding area, creating a fluid and dynamic living experience. The bathrooms, kitchen, and dining areas are strategically located outside the central hut, providing a sense of privacy and intimacy while still maintaining a connection to the outdoors.
The wooden flooring of the hut interiors extends out to form a perimeter that mimics a traditional timber engawa, with a zigzagging edge where it meets the surrounding concrete floor. This design element adds a touch of warmth and texture to the otherwise modern and minimalist interior. Timber shutters and curtains further enhance the privacy and control over natural light, allowing residents to create a cozy and comfortable atmosphere.
The roofs of the huts, constructed with fire-resistant plasterboard, have been left purposefully unfinished, an approach that adds a sense of authenticity and uniqueness to the project. This design choice is particularly interesting given the site's recent construction and lack of pre-existing elements or surfaces marked by age and patina. The idea of leaving certain elements deliberately unfinished, allowing them to evolve over time, emerged through dialogue with the client and her family, adding a layer of personal and temporal significance to the space.
Kuma&Elsa's Nakano House is a testament to the studio's ability to blend traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern design principles. The project's success lies in its ability to create a sense of place and history, even in a relatively new apartment building. By incorporating elements of the traditional engawa, the studio has crafted a space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, offering a unique and captivating living experience.
