Apartment in Kamakura Renovation by ROOVICE: Modern Interiors Amidst Natural Beauty

Nestled in the serene, mountainous region of Kamakura—famous for its proximity to the ocean and scenic cherry blossoms—this apartment renovation by ROOVICE brings modern elegance into harmony with the natural surroundings. Originally built with a traditional 4DK layout, the apartment’s dated design featured a dark kitchen, numerous small rooms, and outdated finishes. The renovation aimed to revitalize the living space, introducing a contemporary aesthetic while embracing the environment’s seasonal beauty, especially the vibrant Sakura bloom in spring.

Stripping Back to the Essentials

During the renovation process, all existing wall, ceiling, and floor coverings were removed to reveal the apartment’s original structural elements. Rather than masking these raw surfaces, the design retained the unique textures, colors, and patterns uncovered, giving the apartment a distinctive, authentic character. This approach celebrates the building’s history while providing a fresh, minimalist backdrop for modern living.

Nature-Inspired Color Palette and Kitchen Design

Taking inspiration from the apartment complex’s name, Green Heights, the kitchen became the focal point of the renovation. The design features a custom-built kitchen unit and counter crafted from lauan wood, partially painted in a soft bluish-green tone that complements the wall colors. The kitchen’s stainless steel countertop and gray tiled flooring in both the corridor and kitchen create a sleek, functional space that balances warmth and practicality.

Harmonizing Materials and Lighting

The living room highlights concrete walls and mortar flooring, paired with wooden shelving units to infuse warmth into the open space. Strategically installed lighting rails provide flexibility in illumination, ensuring the apartment’s ambiance can be easily adapted to different activities and moods.

Multi-Functional Spaces

Beyond the bedroom and living room, a versatile multipurpose room features custom lauan wood shelving, capable of serving as a storage area, walk-in closet, or home office. Lauan wood flooring in both the bedroom and multipurpose room adds coziness while maintaining a modern aesthetic. The apartment seamlessly combines contemporary Japanese interior design with traditional touches, creating a balanced, inviting home.

Addressing Japan’s Akiya Challenge

This project is part of ROOVICE’s Kariage initiative, which renovates vacant, older properties at no cost to owners and then subleases them. With over 10 million abandoned houses (akiya) in Japan, the initiative provides an innovative solution to urban regeneration while offering high-quality, modernized living spaces in historic neighborhoods like Kamakura.

All photographs are works of  Akira Nakamura