Jingumae Project

Renovation of an Apartment Facing Togo Shrine in Harajuku, Tokyo
This apartment renovation project, located in Harajuku with views of Togo Shrine, takes advantage of its serene setting, far removed from the area's usual hustle and bustle. The borrowed scenery of the shrine's trees allows residents to experience the changing seasons, and this unique benefit was reflected in the design by incorporating authentic natural materials to evoke a sense of nature within the interior. Based on this environments, we set the design concept with client as following.
-Embrace the strength and character of natural materials.
-Highlight the quality and richness inherent in authentic materials.
-Create a modern interpretation of Taisho-era Japanese-Western eclectic spaces.
Guided by these principles, the layout was restructured into a simple L-shaped plan that combined two units. Decorative elements were minimized to enhance simplicity while ensuring a cohesive flow and connection throughout the space. To achieve this, gentle curves were intentionally introduced into walls, ceilings, and custom-built elements. These curves not only improved spatial continuity but also softened the visual and tactile impact of using heavy, robust materials.
The materials selected included chestnut wood as the primary element, along with natural stone, diatomaceous earth, glass blocks, and hand-blown glass. These materials, showcasing artisanal craftsmanship through their textures and unique colors, were strategically used as iconic design accents throughout the apartment.
A calm palette of light earthy tones was chosen as the overall base, with the distinctive hues of these iconic materials providing vibrant accents. This blend resulted in a harmonious fusion of Japanese and Western aesthetics, creating a refined yet lively atmosphere.