Nagi, signifying the "calm of the sea," stands as a renovated haven for a young married couple and their child within a 30-year-old apartment complex. This living space underwent a profound metamorphosis, undergoing a comprehensive remodel that introduced new materials and forms to the pre-existing structure. The residence, bathed in a serene ambiance, is adorned with a 70% diluted white paint, setting the tone for tranquility.
A distinctive feature of Nagi is the incorporation of curving steel pipes that are suspended from the floor, creating an illusionary division within the space. These pipes, hanging without visible support from the ceiling, emulate the fluidity of monorail tracks in a bustling city, seamlessly meandering throughout the living environment. Functionality meets aesthetics as custom-designed curtains, made from luxurious velvet fabric, gracefully drape along the length of the railing. These curtains, adorned with printed geometric patterns achieved through a unique process involving the melting of rayon onto fabric, serve the dual purpose of offering visual privacy while permitting the transmission of light, creating an ethereal play of illumination across the living spaces.
Notably, the design of the curtains is anticipating the family's evolving needs. In the future, they can be easily exchanged for partial curtaining, affording the opportunity to display art and photography, thereby adapting to the dynamic shifts in their lives. The railings, serving as a metaphorical backbone, remain a constant, symbolizing stability and continuity amidst life's changes. Nagi, thus, encapsulates a harmonious blend of aesthetic innovation, practical adaptability, and a timeless connection to the ebb and flow of life.
Title: Nagi
Location: Kanagawa, Japan
Use: Residential
Size: 74.00 sqm
Number of stories: 1
Structure: RC
Completed: 2009
Photographer: Daici Ano