The K Family’s home resembles a Hawaiian resort house according to the requests of the owners, who spend one month in Hawaii every year. This house has an integrated living room, dining room, and kitchen, featuring a dynamic atrium with a ceiling five meters high and a large opening facing the pool terrace in the courtyard. The center of this home is the kitchen island that is four meters long.
Mr. K said, “A lot of people visit our home, and my wife is a great cook. When we built this house, we wanted to create a kitchen where people would get together. In our previous house, the kitchen was separate and my wife was isolated by herself as she cooked while I enjoyed talking with our friends in the living room or other spaces. That’s why we wanted to integrate the living room, dining room, and kitchen. We asked for the kitchen countertop to be connected to the dining counter and have an attached iron griddle.”
The kitchen was designed by Mr. Tomohito Imai of Imai Company. He received the living/dining room/kitchen area floor plan and an image of the kitchen from Mr. Tanaka of the Ichiro Tanaka Architecture Office. Based on this, they shared opinions to produce this kitchen.
Looking down at the J-shaped kitchen counter from the second floor. Corian® Solid Surface melds harmoniously with the wooden floor and doors and windows, creating a space that is stylish yet has a sense of warmth. The iron griddle has a lid made from the same Corian® Solid Surface as the countertop, so it stays invisible when closed. J-shape kitchen countertop is made of Corian® Glacier White; Kitchen designed by Mr. Tomohito Imai, Imai Company; Photo courtesy of Yoshihito Imaeda, all rights reserved.
Mr. Imai said, “From above, the countertop is shaped like the letter J, the first initial of the owner’s name. To create variety, the sides are beautiful arcs and the counter thickness is boldly varied. The counter itself is long, with the thickness and shape that provides the durability needed to use it as a dining table all the way to the edges.” The countertop and sides have absolutely no visible seams thanks to the seamless adhesion unique to Corian®, resulting in a distinctive, beautiful form. The sink is integrated into the countertop with a special adhesive for a more stylish look.
“To make the countertop the focal point, the cabinet portions are produced from stainless steel with a mirrored black finish that seems to disappear. The cabinets on top are made from a fine-grade material that does not stand out when you first glance at the counter,” said Mr. Imai.
Mrs. K said, “When I heard this idea, I worried that the counter would seem cold like stone. However, it actually looks and feels quite warm, and I like it a lot. I appreciate that it resists dirt and is easily to clean with a quick wipe. The sink and countertop are connected seamlessly so they stay clean with no dirt buildup. As for ease of use, the work space is large and feels spacious. I can talk with people sitting at the counter as I cook, and also see people relaxing by the pool.” During the year since Mr. and Mrs. K moved into their home, they have had many visitors who had a great time while enjoying Mrs. K’s delicious home cooking. Surely this couple will be able to communicate with many more people in the future in this symbolic kitchen.
More information about J-shape kitchen (Himeji)
Project name: Haus Jun project
Application (residential/commercial): Residence Kitchen
Color: Corian® Glacier White
Design: Ichiro Tanaka Architecture Office
Kitchen design: Mr. Tomohito Imai, Imai Company
Fabricator: Marble Kenzai, Co., Ltd.
Photographer: Yoshihito Imaeda
