![](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/02/house-in-hiyoshi-sq2.jpg)
House in Hiyoshi by Hiroyuki Tanaka Architects
Tokyo office Hiroyuki Tanaka Architects have completed the renovation of a home in Yokohama, Japan.
![house-in-hiyoshi-by-hiroyuki-tanaka-architects-hokr_120_mg_1637_s.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/02/house-in-hiyoshi-by-hiroyuki-tanaka-architects-hokr_120_mg_1637_s.jpg)
Called House in Hiyoshi, the architects divided the space using book shelves and added surrounds to the existing windows, creating a desk and display case.
![house-in-hiyoshi-by-hiroyuki-tanaka-architects-hokr_102_mg_1513_s.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/02/house-in-hiyoshi-by-hiroyuki-tanaka-architects-hokr_102_mg_1513_s.jpg)
The apartment was designed for a young couple.
![house-in-hiyoshi-by-hiroyuki-tanaka-architects-hokr_109_mg_1571_s.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/02/house-in-hiyoshi-by-hiroyuki-tanaka-architects-hokr_109_mg_1571_s.jpg)
Photographs by Takumi Ota.
![house-in-hiyoshi-by-hiroyuki-tanaka-architects-hokr_118_mg_1651_s.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/02/house-in-hiyoshi-by-hiroyuki-tanaka-architects-hokr_118_mg_1651_s.jpg)
Here's some text from Hiroyuki Tanaka Architects:
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Ventilation, a family's line of flow, and the surroundings will be changed by the double volumes.
![house-in-hiyoshi-by-hiroyuki-tanaka-architects-hokr_104_mg_1538_s.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/02/house-in-hiyoshi-by-hiroyuki-tanaka-architects-hokr_104_mg_1538_s.jpg)
We created spaces by cutting these volumes functionally and aesthetically.
![house-in-hiyoshi-by-hiroyuki-tanaka-architects-hokr_129_mg_1723_s.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/02/house-in-hiyoshi-by-hiroyuki-tanaka-architects-hokr_129_mg_1723_s.jpg)
This is renovation project was for young couple. The building stands on a cliff and each residence has its own 30sqm terrace. The residence is on the 5th floor with a view.
![house-in-hiyoshi-by-hiroyuki-tanaka-architects-hokr_132_mg_1810_s.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/02/house-in-hiyoshi-by-hiroyuki-tanaka-architects-hokr_132_mg_1810_s.jpg)
The couple have number of books; they wanted the book space to be like a library.
![house-in-hiyoshi-by-hiroyuki-tanaka-architects-hokr_135_mg_1739_s.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/02/house-in-hiyoshi-by-hiroyuki-tanaka-architects-hokr_135_mg_1739_s.jpg)
We put the shelf-wall in the center of the space so that the couple have to walk around it to get to the space near the window. This operation gave the couple a view each.
![house-in-hiyoshi-by-hiroyuki-tanaka-architects-hokr_124_mg_1493_s.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/02/house-in-hiyoshi-by-hiroyuki-tanaka-architects-hokr_124_mg_1493_s.jpg)
Moreover, the shelf-wall cuts corners and makes new spaces in the apartment. This new space will be used for reading.
![house-in-hiyoshi-by-hiroyuki-tanaka-architects-house-in-hiyoshi-by-hiroyuki-tanaka-architects-hokr_101_mg_1508_s.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/02/house-in-hiyoshi-by-hiroyuki-tanaka-architects-house-in-hiyoshi-by-hiroyuki-tanaka-architects-hokr_101_mg_1508_s.jpg)
Renovation projects always have to take over the negative part of old buildings.
![house-in-hiyoshi-by-hiroyuki-tanaka-architects-hokr_117_mg_1601_s.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/02/house-in-hiyoshi-by-hiroyuki-tanaka-architects-hokr_117_mg_1601_s.jpg)
Architects are troubled with structure, positioning of windows, equipments and existing ceiling height.
![house-in-hiyoshi-by-hiroyuki-tanaka-architects-hokr_114_mg_1442_s.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/02/house-in-hiyoshi-by-hiroyuki-tanaka-architects-hokr_114_mg_1442_s.jpg)
But, for example, we reformed the window frame as a bench and display space, succeeded in making highest ceiling level by using stand light and bracket light carefully.
![house-in-hiyoshi-by-hiroyuki-tanaka-architects-hokr_112_mg_1417_s.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/02/house-in-hiyoshi-by-hiroyuki-tanaka-architects-hokr_112_mg_1417_s.jpg)
We think that we could response to the old building with respect.
![house-in-hiyoshi-by-hiroyuki-tanaka-architects-hokr_103_mg_1466_s.jpg](http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2009/02/house-in-hiyoshi-by-hiroyuki-tanaka-architects-hokr_103_mg_1466_s.jpg)
Project name : House in HIYOSHI
Architect: HIROYUKI TANAKA ARCHITECTS
Date: 2008
Area: 100sqm
Location: Kanagawa, Japan
Photography: Takumi Ota