PLATES

Zen and zeitgeist

In the middle of the vibrant metropolis of Tokyo, in a quiet residential area, PLATES rises up as a house that combines the essence of Zen and modernity. The clean lines of contemporary architecture meet the warm radiance of native cypress wood, while two lovingly designed gardens create a balance between urbanity and nature.

Reference summary

Architect

Kazutoshi Imanaga - Imanaga Environmental Planning Office

Location

Tokyo
Japan

Duravit series

Category

Residential

Kazutoshi Imanaga of the Imanaga Environmental Planning Office was responsible for the design of the residence. Its modern design language provides the perfect setting for Duravit's sanitary ceramics.

Design in detail

The bathroom, designed by STUDIO KAZ co.,ltd., reflects the essence of the house: minimalist aesthetics meet well-thought-out functionality. A natural stone console carries the DuraSquare countertop basin, which is stylishly accentuated. The precise yet soft design of the washbasin emphasizes the timeless aesthetics and blends seamlessly into the minimalist overall concept. STUDIO KAZ co.,ltd. also relies on Duravit in the laundry room: the built-in washbasin from the Starck 3 series combines timeless elegance with function and rounds off the well-thought-out room design.

Local materials, timeless aesthetics

The four-storey house combines a reduced color palette that elegantly combines the warm radiance of the Japanese cypress with the harmonious contrast of black natural stone and white plaster. The use of native cypress wood not only underlines the connection to Japanese craftsmanship, but also the focus on local and sustainable materials.

Smooth transition

Two zen gardens – one in the center of the house and the other on the south side – harmoniously connect the living space with nature. Thanks to the open architecture and the generous glass surfaces, the two gardens appear to be visually and atmospherically connected, surrounding the house with a single, large garden.

Infobox:

  • Architect: Kazutoshi Imanaga - Imanaga Environmental Planning Office & Team Imanaga
  • Interior design and kitchen, furniture design: Coichi Wada - STUDIO KAZ co.,ltd.
  • Duravit products: DuraSquare countertop basin (600 x 470 mm), Starck 3 built-in washbasin (530 x 365 mm)
Modern oasis: the four-storey residence, designed by the architectural firm Imanaga Environmental Planning Office, blends harmoniously into the quiet residential area with its timeless and minimalist design. (Image source: Kai Nakamura)
Modern oasis: the four-storey residence, designed by the architectural firm Imanaga Environmental Planning Office, blends harmoniously into the quiet residential area with its timeless and minimalist design. (Image source: Kai Nakamura)
Close to nature: two zen gardens with large picture windows create a sense of nature and openness in the middle of the Japanese capital. (Image source: Kai Nakamura)
Close to nature: two zen gardens with large picture windows create a sense of nature and openness in the middle of the Japanese capital. (Image source: Kai Nakamura)
Warm accents: At the owner's request, the furniture and herringbone parquet are made of Japanese cypress, which radiates a cozy atmosphere. (Image source: Kai Nakamura)
Warm accents: At the owner's request, the furniture and herringbone parquet are made of Japanese cypress, which radiates a cozy atmosphere. (Image source: Kai Nakamura)
Precise and soft at the same time: In the bathroom, Kazutoshi Imanaga used neutral tones that pick up on the calm overall concept of the house. With its linear yet gentle design, the DuraSquare countertop basin emphasizes the modern ambience. (Image source: Kai Nakamura)
Precise and soft at the same time: In the bathroom, Kazutoshi Imanaga used neutral tones that pick up on the calm overall concept of the house. With its linear yet gentle design, the DuraSquare countertop basin emphasizes the modern ambience. (Image source: Kai Nakamura)
Form and function: in the laundry room, designed in Japanese cypress, the built-in washbasin from the Starck 3 series sets an elegant and functional accent. (Image source: Kai Nakamura)
Form and function: in the laundry room, designed in Japanese cypress, the built-in washbasin from the Starck 3 series sets an elegant and functional accent. (Image source: Kai Nakamura)

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