This project is a renovation of a unit in a 50-year-old reinforced concrete apartment building, designed as the architect’s own residence.
The apartment faces a street and a parking area, offering open views and abundant daylight. At the same time, the canopy of a ginkgo tree aligns with the height of the windows, creating an environment in which the changing seasons can be experienced at close range.

To maximize these favorable light conditions and views in the primary living spaces, such as the living room and bedroom, the plan adopts a simple layout in which the living spaces are placed along the exterior wall, while the wet areas are consolidated toward the interior of the unit.

In the living room, white-painted walls and non-woven fabric curtains softly diffuse daylight, allowing the seasonal scenery of the ginkgo tree and the sky to be drawn into a generously sized living–dining space, conceived as an open and expansive setting.
In contrast, in areas such as the corridor and entrance, where natural light is limited and the distance between the body and the walls becomes closer, the balance of brightness is carefully adjusted through the use of tactile materials—such as mortar-finished walls and wooden joinery—together with lighting with a decorative quality.

Rather than relying on a simple contrast of light and dark or of materials, subtle differences are layered in response to spatial depth and scale, introducing gentle variations within the compact dwelling.

At the center of the living space, a custom-built counter made of lauan plywood with a stainless steel top serves as a key element. Bookshelves are integrated on the living side, while standardized rack storage is provided on the kitchen side, achieving a balance between functionality and cost efficiency.