The "Todoroki-Ku" model apartment, covering an area of 125.4m2, located in the Setagaya-ku District of Tokyo features the hallway, not as an empty space, but actually highlights its qualities by means of the traditional Japanese "Shoji"screens which have been transformed into the theatrical "backbone" of the entire apartment, making it rich and powerful.
The hallway which is normally considered as "wasted space" becomes the pivotal piece of the project. Roughly 20 meters of silk screen, sliding glass doors (custom-made by the famous Italian furniture manufacturer Misura Emme) are all of fine workmanship. Common reed knitting and paper art show the artistic elegance and charm according to the art of Ikebana. Lipparini's contemporary reinterpretation of the ancient Japanese Shoji, form theatrical "wings" that unite the master bedroom and living room, making the whole space united closely. The long backbone passes through the suspended wallboard, imitating the simple and low-key Kabuki Theater. The living room faces the kitchen and you can appreciate the cooking show thanks to the long, semi-transparent glass Shoji. All of the furnishings have been designed by Mauro Lipparini and manufactured by Misura Emme.