With the Azabu Residence Project, Japanese lifestyle brand Karimoku Case Study presents its fourth case and continues its collaboration with architecture and design studios Norm Architects and Keiji Ashizawa Design.
The private residence project in Tokyo has been completed with a custom-made interior by lead architect and Karimoku Case Study brand initiator Keiji Ashizawa, along with bespoke furniture designed by his studio and the brand’s creative directors, Norm Architects.
The interior and furniture of the Azabu Residence were manufactured by the craftsmen at Karimoku Furniture. A key feature of this project is its interior design, which draws inspiration from elements of American Modernism while paying homage to the beauty of shadows. The Karimoku Case Study furniture collection has been updated with new pieces designed specifically for this project: the dining table A-DT02 and bench A-B01 by Keiji Ashizawa, and the modular sofa N-S02 by Norm Architects.
Commissioned to renovate a luxury apartment built in 1988, Keiji Ashizawa Design collaborated with Norm Architects on the interior design and furnishing of this private residence located in Azabu, a quiet and exclusive district in central Tokyo. Set on a rare, spacious plot with lush greenery, the design incorporates the exterior landscape into the interior experience.
The design approach for the interior is influenced by American Modernism, complemented by the use of stone, dark wood, and textured textiles. Another key source of inspiration was Junichiro Tanizaki’s renowned book, In Praise of Shadows, prompting the designers to embrace dimmer, shadow-filled spaces—unlike their earlier light-filled collaboration in the Kinuta Terrace Project (Case 01).
The result is a warm and intimate interior that evokes a sense of shelter and calm. Using darker materials like smoked oak, dark wood veneers, and tonal fabrics, the designers have created a contemplative space ideal for family life. Despite its deep tones, the home comes alive in the morning and afternoon with contrasting sunlight, and is softened with controlled lighting at night.
Furniture for the residence includes both existing pieces from the Karimoku Case Study collection and custom items designed to suit the space. The new dining table A-DT02, designed by Keiji Ashizawa, features a lightweight and elegant form. The versatile A-B01 bench serves both as seating and a display surface. Norm Architects’ new modular sofa N-S02, made with soft, rounded cushions and a dark timber frame, reflects the brand’s dedication to traditional Japanese joinery techniques.
The elegant modular wall shelf N-WS01 by Norm Architects, inspired by architectural column patterns, was also designed specifically for this case. In addition to the furniture, Karimoku Furniture provided all wooden installations, including built-in cabinets, the kitchen counter, and custom doors.
With the completion of the Azabu Residence Project, Karimoku Case Study celebrates the successful launch of Case Study 04 — embodying the brand’s philosophy of creating a cohesive style within a thoughtful architectural framework.
Connect online: www.karimoku.co.jp
