Apartment in Kamakura

Apartment in Kamakura

ROOVICE

Apartment in Kamakura
© Akira Nakamura

ARCHITECTS
Roovice

LEAD ARCHITECT
Kei Makito

MANUFACTURERS
Rinnai, Tajima, Toolbox

PHOTOGRAPHS
Akira Nakamura

AREA
102 M²

YEAR
2023

LOCATION
Kamakura, Japan

CATEGORY
Renovation, Apartment Interiors

Apartment in Kamakura
© Akira Nakamura

Situated in the mountainous region of Kamakura, a town renowned for its proximity to the sea, this apartment within a residential complex has undergone a significant transformation under the meticulous guidance of Roovice. 

Originally designed with a 4DK layout featuring outdated elements such as a dark kitchen and multiple small rooms, the renovation aimed to breathe modernity into the space while seamlessly integrating it with the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape, particularly enchanting during the spring bloom of Sakura trees.

Apartment in Kamakura
© Akira Nakamura
Apartment in Kamakura
© Akira Nakamura

As the renovation progressed, all conventional wall, ceiling, and floor coverings were stripped away, revealing the apartment's raw structure and the remnants of its past.

Choosing to retain the resulting colors and patterns exposed from this process added a distinctive touch to the apartment's design.

Apartment in Kamakura
© Akira Nakamura
Apartment in Kamakura
© Akira Nakamura

In reference to the apartment complex's name "Green Heights," a color scheme centered around green was chosen for the kitchen.

The custom-made kitchen unit and kitchen counter made from lauan wood and partially painted in a bluish-green shade matching the wall colors, were complemented by a stainless countertop and gray tile flooring in the corridor and kitchen.

Apartment in Kamakura
© Akira Nakamura
Apartment in Kamakura
© Akira Nakamura

The concrete walls and mortar flooring were balanced with the warmth of wooden shelving units in the spacious living room. Lighting rails were installed throughout most rooms, offering flexibility in lighting arrangements.

In addition to the bedroom and living room, the apartment offers a versatile room with multi-functional custom-made shelving, which can serve as storage, a walk-in closet, or a home office.

Apartment in Kamakura
© Akira Nakamura
Apartment in Kamakura
© Akira Nakamura

The use of lauan wood flooring in this room and the bedroom added a cozy touch to the overall ambiance, blending modern aesthetics with traditional elements.

This renovation is part of Roovice's Kariage initiative, where we refurbish old, vacant properties at no cost to the owner and then sublease them.

The project was launched in response to Japan's growing akiya (空き家) issue, with over 10 million abandoned properties across the country.

Apartment in Kamakura
© Akira Nakamura


Apartment in Kamakura
© Akira Nakamura
Apartment in Kamakura
© Akira Nakamura
Apartment in Kamakura
© Akira Nakamura
Apartment in Kamakura
© Akira Nakamura
Apartment in Kamakura
© Akira Nakamura
Apartment in Kamakura
© Akira Nakamura


Apartment in Kamakura
Plan - After
Apartment in Kamakura
Plan - Before