Tatler+
Intelligent spatial planning, natural light, and Scandinavian influences transform a spacious family apartment into a calming and cosy abode.
Surrounded by lush gardens in a prime district, this 3,500sqft residence already exudes calm, restorative vibes. What the family needed from Dennis Cheok, creative director of UPSTRS_, was to reconfigure the apartment’s sprawling plan of isolated nooks and crannies that had become neglected with disuse into a cohesive, welcoming space.
Their passion for Japanese culture is evident through their carefully curated collection of antiques, furniture, and artifacts which add character to the home. So, it was not surprising when they had a precise brief—to create a modern ryokan (a traditional Japanese inn) with Scandinavian touches.
See also: Temples, Ryokans And Tombstones: A Slow Travel Guide To Kyoto, Japan
A large living area, delineated into zones by sunken floorplates and elevated platforms, evokes the layered spaces of a ryokan. Comfortable, oversized sofas create an inviting atmosphere for family time while a levitating Naguri-textured plinth, hand-carved out of Japanese chestnut, is both an entrance step into the lounge as well as a tatami seating platform when the situation calls for it.
See also: This Boutique Hotel In Japan Is A Must-Visit For Nature Lovers
