G Architects Studio has the designed the Island Kitchen Home in Tokorozawa, Japan.

This project is a one-space, duplex apartment located on the outskirts of Tokyo, about an hour away from the city centre. The apartment building was developed in the 1980s, during Japan’s high economic growth period, as part of a 20-building development project.

"The clients are a couple with two cats," said designers G Architects Studio. "They wanted to move closer to their parents by embracing the remote-work lifestyle prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic."

The island kitchen is the centrepiece, bringing together all the spaces that were previously spread apart – while the angled masking tape paint finish has made the concrete frame look softer and the stain has thus become less visible.

As a result of the pandemic, family members, who previously lived separate lives under the same roof, have begun to come together, wanting to live closer with each other.

This project has been longlisted in the apartment interior category of Dezeen Awards 2022.

Designer: G Architects Studio

Project: The Island Kitchen Home