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Jingumae Project: Award-Winning Apartment Renovation Fusing Nature, Tradition, and Modernity in Tokyo

The Jingumae Project, designed by Kazushige Masuya and his team, has been recognized with a Bronze A' Design Award in the Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design category for 2025. Completed in November 2024, this innovative apartment renovation is situated in Harajuku, Tokyo, directly facing the tranquil Togo Shrine. The project reimagines urban living by merging two apartment units into a single L-shaped residence that harmonizes natural materials, traditional Japanese design elements, and modern sensibilities.

Inspired by the serene environment and lush greenery of the nearby shrine, the design minimizes surface treatments to highlight the authentic textures of chestnut wood, granite, and hand-blown glass. Traditional Japanese lattice motifs, notably the sumimaru-gōshi technique, are reinterpreted in the parquet flooring and custom door detailing, with curved forms carved from single blocks of solid wood. This meticulous craftsmanship not only emphasizes sustainability but also creates a cohesive, flowing space that balances East-meets-West aesthetics reminiscent of the Taisho era.

The project's realization was shaped by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, which extended timelines but allowed for in-depth discussions with the client about comfort, livability, and the true essence of home. The result is a residence that offers generous circulation, earthy tones, and natural accents, fostering a serene yet elegant atmosphere. The Jingumae Project stands as a new model for urban living, demonstrating how thoughtful design can bridge nature and modern life while reflecting the unique needs and aspirations of its inhabitants.

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