GALLERY

When I designed this house 18 years ago, I wanted to provide a home that the clients, a couple with many hobbies who enjoy life, could love for a long time. Now, 18 years later, I feel that the house has been loved by them beyond my expectations and has aged beautifully.

The client approached us with a desire to open a bookstore, so we decided to renovate the garage. The garage was originally spacious and had enough space to accommodate the desired bookstore with a small cafe space.

During the construction, the atrium, which had been installed so that the garage could be seen from the living space, was closed off. The plumbing was also remodeled to accommodate a cafe, and the door facing the parking lot was remodeled to accommodate a store. The client built and completed most of the other interior features themselves.

The residential garden at the back of the store is filled with plants and trees, acting as a buffer zone between public and private life, while also bringing a refreshing, comfortable atmosphere to the store.Once completed, it was a strange feeling that the space was a bookstore, even though it had been a garage.

The natural materials used in the home will gain more character with each passing year, and the owner’s modifications will deepen their attachment to the home. A home is also developed to a large extent by its inhabitants. After living in a home for a long time, there will be times when you will need to change course in your life, just like this owner did. A home that has been nurtured with love will surely be there for its inhabitants at such times.