The exterior of this very traditional wood-framed house in Utsunomiya, in the northern Kanto region of Japan, belies its daredevil interior. For a modern-minded young family of three who requested bright, open quarters, the architects at No. 555 in Tokyo took down all nonessential walls. And then they tossed in some curves.
There are now bare studs, translucent and curtained partitions, exposed conduit, and very few doors. Remember the industrial High Tech look of the 1970s also known as structural expressionism? Consider this an artful Japanese update of the movement.
Photography by Masatoshi Mori courtesy of No.555.
Ground Floor with Curved Partitions
![formerly divided into nine rooms, the first floor is now two curved swaths with 17](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/polku-house-no555-architecture-utsunomiya-japan-2.jpg)
![\2\20;the design is based on the motif of the narrow path of the fields 18](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/polku-house-no555-architecture-utsunomiya-japan-1b.jpg)
![the architects designed a steel framed table topped with the same larch plywood 19](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/polku-house-no555-architecture-utsunomiya-japan-1c.jpg)
![a new open stair—japan is far less strict than the us about building cod 20](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/polku-house-no555-architecture-utsunomiya-japan-1d.jpg)
![the translucent panels on the curved partitions are polycarbonate. an existing 21](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/polku-house-no555-architecture-utsunomiya-japan-3.jpg)
![the office has a no.555 designed desk for two with ercol chairs and simple open 22](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/polku-house-no555-architecture-utsunomiya-japan-6.jpg)
![the rooms are all finished with a water based matte paint. in lieu of a c 23](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/polku-house-no555-architecture-utsunomiya-japan-5.jpg)
![the structural supports are all whitewashed and the exposed ceiling structure w 24](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/polku-house-no555-architecture-utsunomiya-japan-4.jpg)
Curtained Second Story
![the architects also opened up the three bedrooms upstairs to create a big, brig 25](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/polku-house-no555-architecture-utsunomiya-japan-8-1.jpg)
![the built in shelves are for holding rolled up futons and other bedding. 26](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/polku-house-no555-architecture-utsunomiya-japan-9.jpg)
![canvas curtains section of the three bedrooms. \2\20;now that the couple 27](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/polku-house-no555-architecture-utsunomiya-japan-12.jpg)
![the open railing—additional barriers have presumably since been introduc 28](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/polku-house-no555-architecture-utsunomiya-japan-10.jpg)
![the upstairs is detailed with exposed conduit and steel switch plates with flip 29](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/polku-house-no555-architecture-utsunomiya-japan-11.jpg)
A Glimpse of the Exterior
![a shaded sitting area with benches runs along the side of the house overlooking 30](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/polku-house-no555-architecture-utsunomiya-japan-14.jpg)
![the former shed now holds a wash area and sauna. 31](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/polku-house-no555-architecture-utsunomiya-japan-13.jpg)
![Studly A Surprising Gut Remodelwith Interior CurvesBy No 555 of Tokyo portrait 8](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/no555-architecture-polku-house-exterior-1.png)
Floor Plans
![the two curved rooms are designed to maximize use of space on the living floor 33](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/polku-house-no555-architecture-floor-plan-first-floor.png)
![as with the ground floor, the architects removed all nonstructural walls upstai 34](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/polku-house-no555-architecture-floor-plan-second-floorjpg.png)
We have been avidly chronicling the work of No. 555 architecture for years. Here are some other favorite projects:
- A Wabi-Sabi Surf Shack Made from Humble Materials
- An Inventive Sliver of a House in Tokyo
- The Nonchalant Family Home by No. 555
Frequently asked questions
What is the article about?
The article is about a suburban remodel done in Tokyo which incorporates interior curves to create a playful and inviting atmosphere.
What was the inspiration for the remodel?
The inspiration for the remodel was camping and the idea of bringing the outdoors inside.
What is the style of the remodel?
The style of the remodel is modern and minimalist, with a focus on natural materials and earthy tones.
What are some unique design features in the remodel?
Some unique design features in the remodel include curved walls, a floating staircase, and a hidden door disguised as a bookshelf.
What is the color scheme of the remodel?
The color scheme of the remodel is primarily neutral, with shades of white, beige, and brown. Accents of green and blue are also present.
Who designed the remodel?
The remodel was designed by architect Takashi Yanai of the firm Ehrlich Yanai Rhee Chaney Architects.
What is the overall feel of the remodel?
The overall feel of the remodel is warm, inviting, and playful, with a focus on natural elements and a connection to the outdoors.
What is the location of the remodel?
The remodel is located in a suburban area of Tokyo, Japan.
What are some challenges the architects faced during the remodel?
Some challenges the architects faced during the remodel included working with a small lot size, incorporating curved walls and spaces, and creating a sense of privacy and seclusion in a suburban setting.
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