Transformation of a residential studio into a traditional Japanese Tatami room, featuring a genuine Tokonoma.

Sukiyado was contacted by a customer with the request to convert a residential studio into a traditional Japanese Washitsu, or Tatami room. The room should feature 3 sets of Japanese sliding doors, or Shoji doors, a Shoji room divider, a traditional Tokonoma, and Tatami flooring.

After the briefing, our design team got started with the first sketches and recreation of the original studio in our dedicated 3D environment. The next step was the actual design of all elements that would be used in the space to develop. The first design featured a very formal tokonoma with a square Tokobashira, or main post. During the design the Tokobashira was replaced with a natural trunk, transforming the total Washitsu into a more semiformal Sukiya style. Note, the trunk we finally used came from an old Hinoki tree that used to grow in the customer's garden, providing an even stronger bond with the customer.