Silver Interior Space and Exhibition Design · 2026
Nomad House Residential
by Ryoko Ogoshi
- A' Design Award 2026 Silver Winner in Interior Space and Exhibition Design
- Awarded April 15, 2026
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 16,307
- Verification code 0D46E4117E · Verify this award
About Nomad House Residential
This project reinterprets a 40 year old residence for contemporary nomadic living by removing existing layers to reveal latent spatial potential within the concrete structure. Originally fragmented across levels, the space is reorganized vertically into a continuous composition, with an open living area above, private spaces below, and an introspective basement. The basement supports both individual retreat and shared moments, creating a gradual transition between openness and intimacy, where memory emerges through everyday inhabitation.
Ryoko Ogoshi's Nomad House Residential exemplifies the refined intersection of contemporary residential design and hospitality-inspired spatial programming, where the intimate ritual of gathering finds architectural expression through carefully calibrated material relationships and atmospheric layering. The design demonstrates remarkable sensitivity to the phenomenological qualities of domestic space, employing a restrained palette of honest materials, including exposed concrete, natural wood, leather, and stone, that together establish a dialogue between raw authenticity and cultivated refinement. The central live-edge table functions as both functional anchor and symbolic hearth, its organic form suggesting the primacy of natural materials and artisanal craft within contemporary luxury contexts. The pendant light installation above merits particular attention for its ability to define intimate territory within the larger spatial volume while contributing sculptural presence through the varied heights and warm luminous quality of its individual elements. Ogoshi appears to engage with traditions of the domestic salon and the refined club interior, translating these historical precedents into contemporary material language while maintaining their essential qualities of warmth, intimacy, and cultivated atmosphere. The veined marble backsplash introduces geological time and natural pattern into the composition, its warm cream and ochre tonalities harmonizing with the wooden table while providing visual interest through organic veining that echoes the live edge detail. The seating arrangement, with its expedition-inspired leather detailing and enveloping curved forms, invites contemplation of how furniture design communicates cultural values of comfort, craftsmanship, and worldly sophistication. Viewers might consider how the interplay of rough and refined surfaces throughout the space creates a sensory richness that rewards sustained attention and physical presence.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- This project reimagines a 40-year-old residence as a spatial response to contemporary nomadic living.
Rather than simply reorganizing functions, the design establishes a layered spatial sequence that transitions from openness to intimacy. The upper floor is conceived as a continuous, light-filled living space, while more private functions are embedded within the lower levels and basement. This vertical organization creates a gradual shift in atmosphere, allowing different modes of inhabitation to coexist.
A private bar space in the basement introduces a contrasting, introspective layer within the house, reinforcing the multiplicity of spatial experiences.
By carefully removing existing layers instead of adding new elements, the project reveals the latent spatial potential of the original concrete structure, transforming constraints into opportunities. Building services are thoughtfully integrated within the structural framework, resulting in a refined and cohesive architectural expression. - Dimensions & Packaging
- The project renovates a 40-year-old reinforced concrete residence while preserving the original structural frame. Mechanical and electrical systems were reorganized within existing constraints, with spatial planning closely coordinated with building services.
The top floor features a sloped ceiling that maximizes spatial volume, while the intermediate levels accommodate bedrooms and wet areas, forming a more private and functional layer. The basement houses a private man cave with a bar, creating a contrasting, enclosed and introspective environment.
Together, these vertically layered spaces establish a gradation from openness to intimacy throughout the house. - Tags
- Nomadic Living, Residential Interior, Interior Renovation, Contemporary Interior, Multi-Level Living, Experiential Interior, Man Cave
- Production Technology
- The renovation preserves the existing reinforced concrete structure while transforming its spatial potential.
The design was developed based on detailed on-site investigations and structural assessments conducted prior to construction. Mechanical and electrical systems were reorganized within existing constraints, integrating structure, building services, and interior planning into a cohesive whole. - Design Challenge
- The main challenge was reorganizing the spatial layout within the constraints of the existing structure. Careful coordination between structure, building services, and interior design was essential to achieve spatial clarity and functionality.
- Project Duration
- This project was designed and realized in Tokyo, Japan.
The design and construction period extended from August 2024 to December 2025. - Operation Flow
- Design development was guided by drawings, on-site investigations, and structural inspections. Continuous on-site evaluation allowed adjustments to be made while maintaining spatial clarity.
- Research
- This project investigates how an existing residential structure can be reinterpreted for contemporary urban living through spatial reorganization rather than superficial renovation. By carefully reading the existing structure, building services, and circulation, the design explores how layered atmospheres and spatial depth can be created within architectural constraints.
- Inspiration
- This project reinterprets a 40-year-old reinforced concrete residence in Tokyo by carefully removing existing layers to reveal its latent spatial potential. The design is informed by a contemporary nomadic lifestyle, reflecting a client who has lived across multiple cities and continues to travel. Rather than defining the house as a fixed residence, it is conceived as a place of return between journeys, where personal memories gradually emerge through everyday inhabitation.
- Image Credits
- images: Photography by Koji Fujii / TOREAL, Inc.
Video: Directed and edited by Ryoko Ogoshi
Colors of Nomad House Residential
Grand Interview about Nomad House Residential
The recognition did not come during the site investigation itself. It came much earlier, while I was studying the original construction documents of the forty-year-old reinforced concrete building.As I carefully analysed the drawings, I felt that the project held remarkable potential. In particular, the sectional drawings revealed the original spatial composition and structural strength that had been concealed by later alterations and layers of interior finishes. I came to believe that the true value of the building lay not in adding something new, but in uncovering the latent qualities already embedded within its existing structure.That intuition became a conviction once demolition began. As the finishes were stripped away and the concrete frame was exposed, I could clearly see the spatial framework that I had imagined from the drawings. What impressed me most was the excellent condition of the concrete itself. Despite being forty years old, the structure remained sound, robust and remarkably well preserved. It reaffirmed my belief that the building possessed enduring value and was fully capable of supporting a new chapter of life. At that moment, I thought, “Just as I expected.”Following demolition, I carefully interpreted the conditions revealed on site, continuously comparing the plan layouts with the sectional studies while organising service routes and plumbing spaces. That process itself became the foundation for every design decision that followed.
While multi-location living is becoming increasingly common in Japan, this client had experienced life on a far broader scale, moving between cities across the world for many years.What struck me most was that the time spent in each city was not merely a series of temporary stays. The memories, experiences and relationships formed in those places had become an invaluable part of the client’s identity. Each city represented a different chapter of life, shaped by work, travel, encounters with people and experiences unique to that particular place.Rather than treating those memories as objects to be displayed through photographs or souvenirs, I wanted to weave them into the architecture itself. Individual rooms, and in some cases entire floors, were inspired by different cities that had played an important role in the client’s life. The intention was not to recreate those places literally, but to evoke the emotions and memories associated with them.This was achieved through carefully considered atmospheres rather than direct references. The quality of light, material textures, colours, spatial proportions and even subtle suggestions of air, scent, sound and human presence were used to trigger memories. The aim was that, in an unexpected moment, the client might be reminded of a particular street, a familiar cityscape or the distinctive atmosphere of a place once called home.For me, Nomad House Residential is more than a residence. It is a vessel for the cities, memories and experiences that have shaped the client’s life. It is neither a hotel for temporary occupation nor a conventional permanent home. Instead, it is a place where the client can reconnect with their own journey and sense of identity.Architecturally, designing a place of return between journeys means creating a home that offers continuity rather than permanence. Returning home is not simply about arriving at a physical location; it is about returning to the memories, experiences and personal history that define who we are.
I see renovation not as an act of adding new value, but as a process of discovering the value that already exists within a building.In the United Kingdom and across Europe, the continued use and adaptation of historic buildings is deeply embedded in the culture. Buildings are not regarded simply as physical structures; they are seen as repositories of history, culture and the passage of time.In contrast, Japan has long been associated with a culture of demolition and rebuilding. However, in recent years there has been a growing appreciation for the value of existing buildings and the importance of carrying them forward into the future.With Nomad House Residential, the more I studied the original construction documents and later examined the exposed structure during demolition, the more I discovered the remarkable strength and spatial potential of the building. The condition of the concrete was exceptionally good, and it became clear that this forty-year-old structure still had a long future ahead of it.For me, design is not about imposing a new identity on a building. It is about carefully reading and understanding the qualities and possibilities that already exist. That is why the first question is not, “What should we add?” but rather, “What is already here?”Buildings contain spaces, materials and craftsmanship that could only have been created in their own time. By respecting these qualities and adapting them to contemporary living, it is possible to create a depth and richness that cannot be achieved through new construction alone.Nomad House Residential was never intended as a project of preservation for its own sake. Rather, it was an effort to carry forward the accumulated value of the building and give it renewed relevance for contemporary life. For me, renovation is not about ending a building’s story; it is about allowing that story to continue into its next chapter.
I have always believed that an interior should be experienced as a continuous narrative rather than a collection of individual rooms. In Nomad House Residential, I sought to weave the client’s experiences and memories from around the world into the architecture, transforming the entire house into a journey.The basement was conceived as a New York-inspired man cave. To me, New York is not only a city of energy, creativity and cultural diversity, but also a place where countless stories and memories accumulate over time. This space was designed as a retreat where the client can step away from the demands of daily life and simply be himself.Descending into the basement is itself an experience of travelling back in time. I imagine the silhouettes of hurried pedestrians, the distant sound of car horns and the lingering energy of the city at night. It is intended to feel like stumbling upon an old tavern or a hidden jazz bar. Here, one can enjoy music, read in solitude, share a drink with friends or engage in long conversations. The space embraces both privacy and sociability, carrying a sense of urban vitality, intimacy, sensuality and a slightly dangerous charm.The second floor was inspired by London. Here, I wanted to create a bedroom with a sense of sensuality that conveys both dignity and intelligence. Rather than relying on overt luxury, the space expresses a quiet and mature elegance through the careful layering of materials, light, colour and shadow.The third floor was designed as a guest level and contains two guest bedrooms, each inspired by a different city. One room reflects Copenhagen, celebrating comfort, natural light and the quiet richness of everyday life. The other is inspired by Paris, expressing a refined sense of culture, artistry and sophistication. Together, these rooms allow guests to experience different atmospheres while reflecting the diverse places that have shaped the client’s life.The fourth floor represents Japan and serves as the final destination of this journey through cities and memories. Sliding doors were finished with Armani wallpaper, creating a dialogue between traditional Japanese architectural elements and an international design sensibility. The door pulls were crafted from one-of-a-kind Kiyomizu ware pieces, bringing the artistry and warmth of Japanese craftsmanship into everyday life. My intention was not to recreate tradition, but to explore a fusion between Japanese culture and a global perspective. As a result, the top floor is the most open and light-filled space in the house, while also embodying the tranquillity and sense of ma that are central to Japanese architecture.In Nomad House Residential, moving from one floor to another is not simply a physical transition. It is a journey from New York to London, through Copenhagen and Paris, and finally to Japan. While each floor possesses its own distinct identity, they remain connected as part of a single story.I believe that a successful interior should be experienced as a unified narrative, from the threshold to the most intimate room. Nomad House Residential is a home that travels through cities, time and memory. More importantly, it is a project that weaves together the client’s experiences, memories and life journey across the world, expressing them as a sequence of spaces.
I believe that building services and spatial design cannot be considered separately. They are fundamentally interconnected.One of the most demanding challenges in Nomad House Residential was coordinating the existing reinforced concrete structure with the mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. As this was a forty-year-old building, the structural beams were substantial, leaving very limited space above the ceiling. In addition, the existing sleeves were smaller than what would normally be required to accommodate contemporary building services, making the routing of ducts, pipes and cables particularly challenging.To integrate air conditioning, ventilation, plumbing and electrical systems, I repeatedly studied not only the floor plans but also the sectional drawings, carefully analysing the relationship between the structural framework, service routes and spatial composition. However, renovation projects rarely unfold exactly as drawings suggest. Existing buildings reveal their realities gradually during construction.For that reason, although extensive planning was carried out during the design phase, the final routing decisions were often made on site through close collaboration with the craftsmen and contractors. We continuously discussed alternatives, evaluated constraints and searched for the most appropriate solutions together. It was a demanding process, but it reinforced my belief that successful renovation emerges from the dialogue between design intent and construction expertise.I have always believed that building services must be flawless. Comfort, functionality and performance should never be compromised. At the same time, building services should never draw attention to themselves.To me, building services should be the perfect supporting actor. They should never compete with the architecture for attention, yet without them the performance would be impossible. Their role is to support the experience of space so seamlessly that their presence is almost invisible.This project deepened my understanding that building services are not merely technical systems; they are an invisible component of atmosphere. People do not experience a space in order to admire its ducts, pipes or wiring. Yet the comfort, tranquillity and ease they feel within a space are all shaped by those unseen systems.When building services perform perfectly without announcing their presence, architecture is allowed to speak clearly. In that moment, the atmosphere of a space can be fully experienced, and that, to me, is the true relationship between building services and design.
I have always believed that interior design is similar to directing a film. Just as a film director carefully orchestrates light, shadow, music and emotion from one scene to the next, I design spaces with a strong awareness of how people feel and how their emotions evolve as they move through them.In Nomad House Residential, I wanted to create a gradual transition from light to shadow, from day to night, and from openness to intimacy as one moves from the top floor down to the basement.The fourth floor, inspired by Japan, is the brightest and most open space in the house. Large openings bring in abundant natural light, allowing the occupants to experience the changing qualities of daylight throughout the day. The fusuma doors are finished with Armani wallpaper, while the door pulls are crafted from one-of-a-kind Kiyomizu ware pieces. My intention was to reinterpret traditional Japanese elements in a contemporary way, creating a space defined by tranquillity, subtlety and a sense of ma.The third floor serves as the guest level, where the atmosphere becomes slightly calmer and more intimate. One guest room was inspired by Copenhagen, emphasising natural materials, comfort and the quiet richness of everyday life. The other was inspired by Paris, expressing a refined atmosphere shaped by culture, artistry and elegance.The second floor is centred around a London-inspired master bedroom. Here, I wanted to create a space with a sense of sensuality that conveys both dignity and intelligence. Rather than relying on brightness or visual excess, the room achieves its character through soft lighting, rich material textures and deep, layered tones, creating an atmosphere of quiet maturity.The basement man cave was inspired by New York at night. Descending into the basement is itself an experience of travelling back in time. I imagined the silhouettes of hurried pedestrians, the distant sound of car horns and the lingering energy of the city after dark. It is intended to feel like discovering an old tavern or a hidden jazz bar. The space welcomes both solitude and social gatherings, allowing the client to enjoy music, reflect quietly, or spend time with friends. It carries a sense of urban vitality, intimacy, sensuality and a slightly dangerous charm.When selecting materials and lighting, what mattered most to me was the emotional temperature of each space. I do not see lighting merely as a tool for illumination. Light guides emotions, while shadows stimulate imagination. Likewise, materials are not simply finishes; they have the power to evoke memories, sensations and emotional responses through touch and presence.For this reason, the quality of light, shadow and materiality changes gradually from floor to floor throughout Nomad House Residential. Rather than simply designing rooms, I wanted to choreograph an experience similar to a film.As the occupants move through the house, they travel through memories of New York, London, Copenhagen and Paris before eventually returning to the fourth floor. When the fusuma doors open, the real landscape of Tokyo appears before them.The client has lived in many cities around the world, yet Tokyo is where life takes place today. Through this house, I wanted to create an experience that allows memories of past journeys to coexist with the awareness of the present moment — the recognition that “I am in Tokyo now.”Yet this does not represent the end of the journey. None of us knows where life may lead in the future. Beyond the view of Tokyo, there may be another destination waiting somewhere ahead.Nomad House Residential is therefore a home that travels through cities, time and memory. At the same time, it is a space that invites its inhabitants to imagine the journeys that are still to come.
Through Nomad House Residential, I came to reaffirm a belief that has become increasingly important to me: the essence of a home is not where we live, but who we live with and what memories we create together.Today, many people move between cities and countries throughout their lives. The way we work, travel and live continues to evolve, and as a result, the role of the home is also changing. Yet no matter how mobile our lives become, people still need a place where they can share experiences, build relationships and create lasting memories.I believe that the home of the future should be more than a place of residence. It should be a vessel that holds the memories of life. A home becomes meaningful not because of its address or location, but because it gradually absorbs the values, experiences and relationships of the people who inhabit it.This was one of the central ideas I explored through Nomad House Residential. Home is not a fixed place; it is something shaped by memories, emotions and human connections. The project reflects a way of living in which experiences gathered across different cities and cultures become part of a shared personal narrative.For this reason, I do believe that the nomadic condition of contemporary life will continue to reshape how architects and interior designers think about the home. However, I do not believe it changes the fundamental meaning of what a home is.Ultimately, the most important question is not where we live, but who we share our lives with, and what memories we create together. I believe that will always remain the true essence of home.
Today, many people live between multiple cities and countries. It is no longer unusual for family members to live far apart from one another. While modern life has given us greater freedom to move, it has also made it more difficult to share everyday moments with the people who matter most to us.For this reason, I believe that a home must serve a purpose beyond simply providing shelter.It should be a vessel for memories and a device that sustains human connections.Throughout Nomad House Residential, fragments of the client's experiences and memories from different places around the world are woven into the spaces. Even when a person is alone, the house quietly holds the presence of shared moments, relationships and memories accumulated over time.I believe that architecture and interior design have the power to soften the absence of people. Of course, a space can never replace a person. However, it can evoke memories, recall emotions and create a sense of connection to those who may be far away.Even when living like a nomad, moving from city to city, a home can still remain an emotional anchor. It can provide a sense of belonging because it contains the memories, experiences and moments that have shaped our lives.To me, Nomad House Residential is not only a home that travels through cities. It is also a home that connects people through memory. Ultimately, that was the most important idea I hoped to express through this project.
The basement man cave was inspired by New York. However, I never intended every visitor to see the same city or interpret the space in the same way.Some may be reminded of an old private club in London, while others may think of a bar in Paris. Some might imagine a tavern frequented by pirates, while others may be transported to a hidden speakeasy from the Prohibition era.I think that is perfectly fine.What mattered to me was not the recreation of a specific city or historical period, but the ability of the space to stimulate personal memories and imagination.First and foremost, the basement is a place for oneself. It is a space where one can step away from the responsibilities and routines of daily life, listen to music, read a book, or simply enjoy a quiet drink. In many ways, it is the most personal and liberating space within the house.At the same time, it is also a place where close friends can gather. When they do, conversations naturally emerge:“I see London in this space.”“It reminds me of a place I once visited.”Those different interpretations become the starting point for conversation. They create connections between people and enrich the experience of being together.To me, this man cave is both a place of personal retreat and a place that deepens shared moments with friends.That is why I do not see it as belonging to a single city or a particular era. Instead, it is a place that connects each visitor to the cities, times and memories that exist within their own imagination.
If I could offer one piece of advice to emerging designers, it would be this: do not be afraid of constraints.Renovation projects inevitably confront us with limitations—existing structures, building services, regulations and countless unexpected conditions. However, I do not see these as obstacles. Rather, I see them as clues that help reveal the unique character and hidden potential of a building.I am, by nature, a very optimistic person. Throughout the design process of Nomad House Residential, there were many challenges that did not have immediate solutions, from the depth of the structural beams to the coordination of building services within extremely limited spaces. Yet whenever I encountered a difficulty, I always believed that a solution must exist somewhere. The task was to keep searching until I found it.Architecture and interior design are not simply about accepting the conditions that are placed before us. They are about imagining possibilities that are not yet visible and finding ways to bring them into reality.That is why I encourage young designers never to stop imagining and never to stop dreaming.Sometimes the answer can be found in a drawing. Sometimes it reveals itself on site. But to discover it, one must first believe that it is there.Nomad House Residential was born from that mindset. It became possible because I continued to look for opportunities within limitations and because I believed in the value that already existed within the building.In the end, I believe great design does not emerge from complete freedom. More often, it emerges from the courage to imagine possibilities where others see only constraints.