Fathom Design undertook the renovation of a newly built condominium in Nakaku, Hiroshima City, with a focus on maximizing the beautiful and habitable environment. Recognizing the location, security, and convenience of T House, the architecture and design firm identifies the need to elevate the furnishings beyond mass-produced items. After discussions with the client, the design centers on two key elements: using upcycled oyster shell paint throughout the space and incorporating greenery.
The walls, finished with delicate oyster shell paint, create a unified and harmonious texture, while the existing wooden frames are concealed to transform the typical appearance of ready-made sashes. The plant integration extends to a dining bench, which is crafted from micro cement and designed to blend with the rest of the interior. The bench’s backrest, sculpted into a trapezoidal shape, allows users to sit surrounded by plants, simulating the experience of resting under a tree.
To further integrate the new design, existing fixtures and fittings are carefully modified, retaining their functionality but enhancing their aesthetic with lauan wood grain stained to complement the oyster shell paint.
Greenery is strategically placed to foster interaction, particularly between the study and dining room, where it serves as a soft organic partition. Incorporating greenery into the overall space, Fathom Design removes small beams in the ceiling frame and adds a mirrored surface, reflecting daily life onto the concrete ceiling. This gesture transforms the conventional look of new condominiums into a space that reflects the personal thoughts and experiences of its residents.
The Hiroshima-based firm‘s renovation philosophy draws from its extensive experience and seeks to rejuvenate the interior spaces of Japan’s newly built condominiums. By moving away from uniform, mass-produced aesthetics and embracing the unique thoughts of the residents, the firm aims to create more fulfilling and personalized living environments.
Photo
Tatsuya Tabii
