House in Hakusan by KENTA HIRAYAMA ARCHITECT & ASSOCIATES: Compact Living with Light, Nature, and Material Contrast in Tokyo

Located in the heart of Tokyo’s Bunkyo City, the House in Hakusan is a masterful renovation by KENTA HIRAYAMA ARCHITECT & ASSOCIATES, transforming a compact 57-square-meter condominium into a sun-filled, nature-connected, and thoughtfully designed urban home. Completed in 2024, this project showcases how small living spaces can feel expansive, functional, and aesthetically striking through careful planning, material selection, and interior detailing. Photographed by Tomooki Kengaku, the residence highlights a harmonious balance between exposed concrete structure, warm wood finishes, and natural light.

Renovation of a Mid-Century Concrete Structure

Originally a 50-year-old concrete building, the residence underwent a full-scale interior renovation. The architects stripped away all old finishing materials, exposing the original concrete framework and emphasizing the building’s structural authenticity. This raw concrete serves as a striking backdrop for newly introduced materials, creating a contrast and juxtaposition that defines the home’s interior character.

The renovation approach not only celebrates the aged concrete but also allows for a seamless integration of modern design elements, resulting in a space that feels both grounded and contemporary. By intentionally leaving the concrete exposed, the architects created a sense of textural richness and architectural depth, enhancing the small unit’s spatial experience.

Maximizing Lightness and Spaciousness

Despite the compact footprint, the interior layout was designed to feel open and airy. Furniture placement and sliding doors define the spatial organization, minimizing unnecessary walls that could clutter the floor plan. This strategy ensures that every area, from the living room to the bedrooms, feels light-filled and expansive, while simplifying the construction process and creating a rational, functional home.

At the center of this family-oriented residence is the kitchen, envisioned as the hub of daily life. Positioned strategically, the kitchen allows unobstructed sightlines into the dining area, desk space, and bedrooms, while a circulation path connects the kitchen to the living room, preventing dead ends and encouraging natural movement throughout the home. This thoughtful layout demonstrates how careful planning can make even a small urban residence feel open, functional, and cohesive.

Material Contrast and Nature Integration

Material selection plays a key role in the home’s design narrative. Cherry wood, with its fine grain and warm texture, contrasts beautifully with the rough concrete frame, creating a sophisticated balance between rawness and refinement. In harmony with the zelkova forest visible from the windows, zelkova wood is used for a long desk and coffee table, blending natural elegance with functional design. Notably, the zelkova coffee tables incorporate recycled materials, reflecting the architects’ commitment to sustainability and thoughtful material use.

A large mirror behind the kitchen counter enhances visual depth, minimizes the kitchen’s physical footprint, and cleverly reflects the lush outdoor greenery, bringing the serene botanical garden into the home’s interior environment. This connection to nature amplifies the sense of calm and spaciousness in the compact residence.

A Thoughtful, Family-Centered Urban Home

The House in Hakusan demonstrates how meticulous renovation, strategic planning, and material contrast can transform a small condominium into a dynamic, functional, and visually compelling home. For a couple and their small child, the space provides a light-filled, nature-connected, and efficient living environment, proving that even compact Tokyo apartments can offer comfort, warmth, and architectural sophistication.

All photographs are works of Tomooki Kengaku