Designed for a chef, his wife, and their dog, the home draws deeply from Japanese traditions while embracing the practicalities of contemporary city living. Balancing openness with an abundance of concealed storage, it creates an environment of clarity; a place for pause, adaptability, and quiet reflection.

The project began with a clear departure from convention. Instead of the typical arrangement of living and dining areas, the design prioritises fluidity and multipurpose use. At its threshold, a lattice sliding door signals a gentle transition from the outside world. Acting as a reinterpretation of the genkan, this entryway is anchored by a run of light-wood cabinetry and a cantilevered platform for sitting, encouraging the ritual of removing shoes as both a symbolic and functional gesture. The door itself balances transparency and opacity, diffusing light into the foyer while serving a dual role: a shared panel for the adjacent display cabinet, allowing the owners to reveal or conceal their sake collection depending on the occasion.

Beyond the foyer, the communal zone is centred around a raised platform with an integrated table lift, a concealed mechanism that transforms the surface from a flush floor into a dining table, enabling effortless shifts between hosting and open, unencumbered living. Warm timber tones paired with soft greys imbue the interior with a sense of tranquillity, reflecting both the owners' appreciation for Japanese sensibilities and their preference for an uncluttered environment.