Japanese-Inspired Duplex Penthouse Apartment
This two-story Japanese-style penthouse, nestled in a quiet part of Moscow, offers a uniquely innovative layout. It boasts a 35-meter-long facade with 13 expansive panoramic windows stretching from the walls to a sloping ceiling that reaches heights of up to 5.5 meters. Such architectural features present both a challenge and an opportunity: the space could either become a dream home or an impractical grand hall.
The owners envisioned a versatile living space where work, relaxation, and social activities seamlessly blend, all with a touch of Japanese aesthetics. Since both homeowners planned to work extensively from home, creating distinct work areas was a priority. The lady of the house often meets with clients, so the Japanese architect designed a comprehensive home office complete with a reception area and meeting room. A separate entrance, hidden doors, and a private bathroom ensure that clients remain unaware they’re in a residential apartment. Meanwhile, the gentleman’s office, located on the upper level and across the room, offers tranquility and a captivating view of historic Moscow, ideal for focused work and reflection.
For social interactions, the penthouse features a combined living and dining area divided into three distinct zones. The dining table can accommodate up to 12 guests, perfect for family gatherings or special occasions. A cozy sofa by the fireplace provides a comfortable spot for casual chats with friends and relatives, while a peaceful nook by the window invites quiet rest for two. Inspired by the Japanese traditions of “hanami” (flower viewing) and “tsukimi” (moon viewing), the architect introduced the concept of “matimi,” or “admiring the cityscape.”
Adjacent to the dining room is a spacious, 60-square-meter kitchen that rivals any professional restaurant’s setup. Cooking is one of the owner’s passion, and the kitchen is fully equipped for her culinary experiments, featuring everything from a wood-fired pizza oven to an expansive teppan. It also serves as the setting for family meals.
The reception room is the most authentically Japanese space, centered around a lift table that mimics a kotatsu. In traditional Japanese homes, kotatsu tables provide warmth in the absence of central heating, offering a cozy spot for family gatherings during winter. Here, the table is designed with a recessed area for legs, accommodating those unaccustomed to sitting on the floor in the Japanese manner. Shelves along the wall display a collection of Japanese dishes, and a tokonoma niche at the head of the table is perfect for showcasing Japanese art.
Japanese elements are thoughtfully incorporated throughout the apartment. The hallway railing on the second floor features a wave pattern, paying homage to the ocean. The bedroom floor is laid with tatami mats, and many of the doors are sliding, evoking the traditional shoji screens found in Japanese homes. In the living room, the walls are finished with decorative plaster using the traditional hantiku technique, which mimics stratified layers of earth. Even the toilets reflect Japanese design principles, as described by Jun’ichirō Tanizaki in his essay “In Praise of Shadows.” The absence of the usual ceramic gloss, coupled with light reflecting off uneven surfaces and the simplicity of geometric forms, brings a sense of serenity and understated elegance.
This Japanese-inspired penthouse masterfully blends functionality and aesthetics, creating a seamless flow between work and leisure. The careful design ensures that every corner of the apartment serves a purpose while maintaining an atmosphere of tranquility and refinement. It’s a testament to how thoughtful design can transform an urban space into a harmonious living and working environment.
