Zen and zeitgeist

Kazutoshi
Imanaga opted for neutral shades in the bathroom that preserve the calm overall
building concept. With its sleek yet gentle shape, the DuraSquare above-counter
basin maintains the contemporary ambience.
Photos: Duravit, Kai Nakamura
Tokyo is one of the most vibrant metropolises in the
world. But even here there are places of tranquillity. One of such placees is
the Plates house, which aims to combine the essence of zen and modernism. Clear
lines of contemporary architecture meet the warm radiance of native cypress
wood. Two tenderly designed gardens aim to create a balance between urbanity
and nature. When designing the resident, the Imanaga Environmental Planning
Office and Studio Kaz opted for Duravit sanitary ceramics in the bathroom.
The bathroom reflects the essence of the building:
minimalistic aesthetics meet sophisticated functionality. A natural stone
console elegantly showcases the above-counter basin from the DuraSquare range.
The precise yet tender design of the washbasin highlights the timeless aesthetic
and blends seamlessly into the minimalistic overall concept.
Local materials, timeless aesthetic

Thanks
to the large window fronts, the two Zen gardens create a sense of nature and
openness in the heart of the Japanese capital. The
furniture and the scallop parquet are made from Japanese cypress wood
Photo: Duravit, Kai Nakamura
A pared-down color palette is deployed in the
four-story building, elegantly combining the warm radiance of the Japanese
cypresses with the harmonious contrast created with natural black stone and
white plaster. The use of native cypress wood not only references traditional
Japanese craftsmanship, but also highlights the use of local and sustainable
materials.
Two Zen gardens – one located in the center of the
building and the other on the south side – create a harmonious link between living
space and nature. The open architecture and the large glass areas create the
impression that the two gardens are connected in visual and mood terms and that
the building is surrounded by a single, large garden.