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The hustle and bustle of the city fades away as soon as you step into Koishikawa, a soulful refuge in the heart of Tokyo. One of the oldest botanical gardens in the archipelago, it offers the discreet charm of a timeless haven where each season expresses itself like living calligraphy.
When architect Kenta Hirayama first stepped into the 57-square-meter apartment he was about to purchase, he was captivated by the corner room offering breathtaking views of this green gem in the vast and fascinating megalopolis.
From this quiet contemplation, Kenta Hirayama developed a vision for the home’s renovation. He wanted to create a timeless, minimalist space that felt deeply connected to its surroundings. It would be the embodiment of the philosophy behind his eponymous architecture studio, founded in 2024. Once the old fittings had been removed, an unexpected beauty emerged: that of pure concrete, bearing the history of the building written fifty years ago: “I was delighted to find that the space was more rationally laid out, and even more inspiring than I had expected.” The architect chose to contrast this raw setting with refined, warm materials, some of which can be found in the botanical garden: “so that the contrast between strength and lightness creates a unique, profoundly poetic atmosphere,” explains Kenta.
The next step was to think of the space as a flowing whole, in keeping with the tradition of Japanese interiors. By removing unnecessary partitions and favoring sliding doors, the layout was made airier and more open. Furnishings give structure to the space, defining its uses without restricting movement. A complete renovation that has transformed this family home into a lively haven.
