Name: Hiroyuki Tanaka
Location: Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Size: 640 square feet
Years lived in: 1

Architect Hiroyuki bought this apartment in Western Tokyo just over a year ago but the original layout and style did not match his needs. He wanted to create a home that would respect the industrial feel of the building whilst maximizing the space in the most minimalist way, true to his personal style.

One of the main challenges of this renovation was the typical Japanese layout, where the flow of air and light through the rooms were restricted. With this in mind, all the internal walls were removed and the space was divided into two halves— one side an open plan for working and entertaining, the other half hidden behind a row of ten wooden doors.

At first glance you could easily mistake this apartment for a studio but once the doors are flung open a series of rooms and utility spaces are revealed. The bathroom, kitchen and bedroom are neatly concealed in what seems like cupboards from the outside. The series of doors were not planned from the start but once Hiroyuki constructed a scale model (as seen in the pictures), he realized the renovation needed a wow factor. Extra doors were added to the plans and the apartment is now a wonderful refection of his love of minimalism combined with functional design. For more of Horoyuki's work visit Hiroyuki Tanaka Architects

Apartment Therapy Survey:

Inspiration: To me it is more about research and understanding of a space than inspiration.

My Style: Japanese Minimalism

What Friends Say: It is interesting, but some people feel it's too minimal and stark.

Favorite element: I love my bedroom — I wake up with natural light now that it has been moved to the front of the apartment, and there's always a nice breeze.

Biggest Indulgence: The sofa and artworks (all made by friends)

Proudest DIY: The doors!

Biggest Challenge: The apartment had the typical Japanese layout when I first bought it, the bedroom was in the front, so rearranging the space was challenging at times.

Dream Source: Flea Markets in Paris

Thanks Hiroyuki!

Images: Liezel Strauss

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