An Apartment Block Attic Conversion in Tokyo by G Architects

This raw, unfinished-looking apartment can be found in Tokyo, Japan. The 40-year-old apartment was originally an attic space for the building. It recently underwent a renovation by the Japanese firm, G architects, who decided to keep some of the buildings more austere features on show to create an industrial aesthetic.

 

Tokyo Loft - G Architects - Small Apartment - Kitchen and Bathroom - Humble Homes

It comprises of 936 square feet (or 87 square meters). The owner had been searching for a convenient location within central Tokyo, when they found this apartment block attic, just one block from a major highway, and located in the very heart of Tokyo. All they had to do was make it more liveable and finish it in-keeping with their tastes.

 

Tokyo Loft - G Architects - Small Apartment - Living Area - Humble Homes/></p>
<p>To introduce light into the space they installed windows along the sloping walls of the roof. The windows provide unobstructed views over the city. From the architects: “Since this apartment is to be used for accommodation purposes, we took the unique character of the apartment and added a hotel-like atmosphere.” From the look of it, it’s a very functional hotel. </p><div class='code-block code-block-8' style='margin: 8px 0; clear: both;'>
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Tokyo Loft - G Architects - Small Apartment - Kitchen and Living Area  - Humble Homes

Those smudges of paint on the concrete surfaces aren’t by accident. According to the architects they were introduced to help soften the space and find a balance between the industrial and hotel-like atmosphere: “soft painting techniques that resembles traditional Japanese paper called “Washi” are used on the surface of the raw concrete walls and ceilings.”

Tokyo Loft - G Architects - Small Apartment - Exterior Terrace- Humble Homes

The entire apartment is a single open plan space – even the bathroom. There’s an entryway, and a hallway that’s occupied with storage closets. A bedroom is tucked away in a corner, and the main living area contains the kitchen, living and dining room. The bathroom is found to the back of the kitchen (there’s a privacy curtain to separate the two). On the outside there’s also a large deck area.

Tokyo Loft - G Architects - Small Apartment - Floor Plan - Humble Homes

For more apartments and Japanese houses check out this house in Hiburu that follows the slopes of a reservoirs banks. Or, this minimalist home called Apartment TK by Kurosawa Kawaraten. See all Japanese houses.

Via ArchDaily
Photos: Katsumi Hirabayashi

Niall Burke

Structural engineer by day, tiny house designer by night. Niall has a keen interest in small spaces, green design, and sustainability. He started developing Humble Homes while studying for his masters degree in engineering. He is the founder and managing editor of Humble Homes.