An abandoned concrete building shell, acquired with the intention to create a large apartment for private habitation. The developed design strategy makes use of the unfinished state and the exposed concrete is regarded as a neutral backdrop against which the spaces for habitation are designed. Therefore, finishes contrast with and wrap the concrete only there where needed. Concrete was erased to allow for loop-like structures to be inserted. On these loops life takes centre stage. Executed like freestanding pieces of furniture, each is finished in a different material.

Frank la Rivière, Architects inc is a multi-disciplinary and internationally oriented design practice based in Tokyo working in the field of architecture, and interior design through to graphic and product design. Led by Frank la Rivière (The Netherlands Utrecht, 1961) who studied architecture and interior design at Delft University of Technology and in 1988 received his Master’s degree (first class honors). The extensive work experience gained in the Netherlands, UK, France and for 25 years in Japan is the base for the office’s involvement in international teams, such as working as representative and local architect for Renzo Piano Building Workshop and Rena Dumas Architecture Intérieure (Maison Hermès, Tokyo) or Nebuta-no-ie Warasse (Aomori City, Japan) with molo (Canada) and ddt Arch. Besides being registered architect in the Netherlands also obtained as the first Dutch National, the First Class Architects License in Japan.

Our design approach is centered on the research into the relation between People, Object and Space, from which a specific design strategy emerges for each project. Built results show our thoroughly contemporary design language, with recurring themes such as lightness, transparency, continuous flow of space and trueness to the nature of the materials used. The aim is to create well-crafted, richly varied environments that are responsive to the needs of its occupiers and result in intricate spatial experiences.