“I wanted to design a stately mansion suitable for the present age based on its history.”
- Hiroshi Nakamura, Architect and Founder of Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP
A New Architectural Landmark
The Stately Mansion Inspired by Yesteryear
An award-winning architectural design office, Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP has envisioned a distinctive home enchanted by the very essence of the location. Mathematical precision meets creativity in a design that exceeds expectations with individual character yet carefully respects the esteemed environment.
Through carefully considered treatments, a quiet refuge isachieved with natural light abundant in every room courtesy of the central courtyard. There, a façade that features NAP's eponymous glass bricks, a refreshing texture reminiscent of a waterfall at once evokes calm. Designed for longevity, materials reflect those repeated in Japanese architecture across the ages. Often chosen to line the walls of castles and the beloved preferred medium for famed sculptor Isamu Noguchi, Aji stone features in the entrance as a gateway to dignified experiences.
A New Architectural Landmark
The Stately Mansion Inspired by Yesteryear
An award-winning architectural design office, Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP has envisioned a distinctive home enchanted by the very essence of the location. Mathematical precision meets creativity in a design that exceeds expectations with individual character yet carefully respects the esteemed environment.
Through carefully considered treatments, a quiet refuge isachieved with natural light abundant in every room courtesy of the central courtyard. There, a façade that features NAP's eponymous glass bricks, a refreshing texture reminiscent of a waterfall at once evokes calm. Designed for longevity, materials reflect those repeated in Japanese architecture across the ages. Often chosen to line the walls of castles and the beloved preferred medium for famed sculptor Isamu Noguchi, Aji stone features in the entrance as a gateway to dignified experiences.
“I wanted to design a stately mansion suitable for the present age based on its history.”
- Hiroshi Nakamura, Architect and Founder of Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP
Crafting the Seclusion
There is a calming sensibility within Minami Azabu, a secluded comfort amongst an engaging and bustling Tokyo. A quiet refuge achieved through both the preserved and re-imagined treatments of the exterior and a vision for the home within
.The exterior remains a tribute to its conception in the 1990s. Reflective of Brutalist architecture, a raw and fortress-like treatment of buildings and an ode to Japan’s western shift.
Structured with zen like stillness, the unique curvature outside remains, complimenting the newly constructed perpendicular form at its base.
Wide glass facades exist between the two curvatures with geometric black window frames, influenced by renowned American architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s passion for Japanese design and aesthetics. The landscape and green space acts as a clear juxtaposition to the mixed materials.
This treatment of the exterior fits with the ribbed concrete curves on either side, a brutal blend of mixed materials that organically brings out striking Japanese elements.
A New Architectural Landmark
The Stately Mansion Inspired by Yesteryear
An award-winning architectural design office, Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP has envisioned a distinctive home enchanted by the very essence of the location. Mathematical precision meets creativity in a design that exceeds expectations with individual character yet carefully respects the esteemed environment.
Through carefully considered treatments, a quiet refuge isachieved with natural light abundant in every room courtesy of the central courtyard. There, a façade that features NAP's eponymous glass bricks, a refreshing texture reminiscent of a waterfall at once evokes calm. Designed for longevity, materials reflect those repeated in Japanese architecture across the ages. Often chosen to line the walls of castles and the beloved preferred medium for famed sculptor Isamu Noguchi, Aji stone features in the entrance as a gateway to dignified experiences.
“I wanted to design a stately mansion suitable for the present age based on its history.” - Hiroshi Nakamura, Architect and Founder of Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP
A State of Mind
A blend of light oakwood floors and textured travertine pave your path through the residence, with a fusion of white Shikkui plaster, and travertine throughout.
The warm fusion of materials and textiles used for the interior stands well against Japanese inspired mid-century western furniture pieces that adhere to local wood craft concepts.
Here, you’ll find carefully curated pieces of visionary designer Christian Liaigre, who also drew from Japanese influence in his designs.
Linen slipcover furniture is used throughout, rare in Japan but effortless in its warm comfort and relaxed contemporary aesthetic. The sofas and chairs are anchored by various rugs placed throughout the residence; another inspiration taken from Frank Lloyd Wright’s geometric designs.
With a mix of oak wood floors and cabinets, the room is a contemporary, minimalistic take on Japanese inspired craftsmanship. The warm palettes applied instantly brighten up the room, as does the lightly coloured travertine stone on the wall.
The welcome blend of these two materials melds with Gaggenau kitchen appliances, a modern and bespoke design.
Sleek, stainless and functional. Each appliance is deliberate and is integrated seamlessly, from the built-in refrigerators and wine fridge to stainless ovens and gas cook top.
The kitchen is carefully ventilated, and offers the flexibility of physical separation between the cooking space and other rooms in the residence.
terior design at 2-9-2 Minami Azabu is brought to life by Studio Philo, an international contemporary design studio lead by Chad Chanvipava.
Studio Philo’s sharp take on the world is re-told through the lens of a rich understanding of history, heritage and visual identities.
Each floor, corner and function come together under the studio’s conceptualisation offunctionality, fluidity and space, unified as a representation of Japanese heritage, modernism and western aesthetics.
The changes that shaped Japan’s Meiji era are marked and reflected in Studio Philo’s interpretation and design.
Studio Philo is an international contemporary design studio. Studio Philo’s sharp take on the world is re-told through the lens of a rich understanding of history, heritage, and visual identities.
Interior Design Details
Classic Minimalism Meets Modernity
As a first point of call, Studio Philo derived influence from the neighbourhood’s unique heritage during the Taisho Period. Exquisitely finished, each floor is an exercise in peaceful minimalism. Travertine, with its wood-like waves, and light oak flooring guides you across the four levels with white plaster rounding out the textured trio. Horizontal and vertical lines pay homage to the Shoji screen doors favoured during the Period, while abundant natural light contrasts sensitive shadows enkindling a chiaroscuro effect throughout the dwelling.
