14.04.2022 | The Beauty of Everyday Things

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Photo by Kohichi Ogasahara

A peaceful residential district in Tokyo is home to the “House of Reminiscence” – a property renovated using state-of-the-art technology while also providing space for traditional customs and art. The bathrooms are fully equipped with Duravit products, including Luv and 1930 washbasins with C.1 faucets, as well as bathtubs and urinals from the Starck range.

Eco-friendly renovation

The house was designed some 30 years ago by the architects Susumu Masuda and is owned by architect and sought-after Japanese renovation professional Mr. Oshima – a pioneer in this field. His “blue studio” is a well-known renovation-focused architects’ firm in Japan that has won multiple design prizes and audience awards.
An environmentally friendly renovation process was ensured by deploying the latest technologies such as the best-possible insulation and a ventilation system that runs on natural energy.

The Beauty of Everyday Things

The House of Reminiscence is home to numerous unique antique craft pieces such as ceramic plates, pots, and objets d’art. Oshima’s craftsmanship and the central idea behind the renovation is based on the philosophy of the Japanese art critic and philosopher Soetsu Yanagi.
The objects we use every day are constant companions in our lives. Consequently, Yanagi’s “The Beauty of Everyday Things” vision calls for everyday objects to be manufactured with care and with eternity in mind. They need to be simple, robust and safe - the aesthetic outcome of consistently catering to utilitarian requirements. Hand-made objects such as traditional teacups illustrate this magical simplicity and functionality: the beauty of everyday things at work.

Sustainable design and durability in the bathroom

Oshima opted for Duravit in the bathroom as he especially appreciates the high sustainable design standards and the aspirations for quality and durability. The integrated washbasins of the Duravit Luv and 1930 lines are also emblematic of this combination of tradition and modernity. With their Scandinavian design, the Luv above-counter basins reflect the zeitgeist. The characteristic soft forms and gentle edges – design elements that push the traditional material of ceramic to its limits – are made possible by the innovative material DuraCeram®. The ceramic 1930 built-in washbasin is similarly eye-catching: the typical eight-sided design language was designed in the golden 1920s and first presented to the world in 1930.