TOKIMASA1935 — Ina: a family warehouse reused as an office

Concept

From a point to a line

The architect cites the historian Koichi Kato, who argues for a “linear” history of architecture that follows a building through the time it is lived in, instead of judging it only at completion.

This project reuses a warehouse as an office, so the building continues its life rather than starting over.

01 · Materials

Timber from the store

The wood used on the walls was bought cheaply by the owner from a construction company’s warehouse, where it had been kept for many years. The box stair was rescued from a site that was being demolished.

02 · Making

Built by friends

Much of the work was done by the owner’s own network of craftsmen. The carpentry was handled by a retired joiner who lives next door. The building is named after the owner’s grandparents; 85 years after the grandmother’s birth, it opened again in 2020.