Named after the Japanese word for "garden," Nakaniwa embodies its namesake's principles of asymmetry, enclosure, and balance to deliver an immersive architectural experience. The residence is programmatically bifurcated, with two non-parallel rectangles connected by a central garden. This garden acts as both a circulation anchor and lightwell, creating a natural division between private and communal spaces. The design blends traditional elements and organic accents with the modernity of concrete, metal, and glass, resulting in a dynamic yet harmonious composition.
Site orientation and building massing shape a naturally cooling courtyard, with a low-slung roofline and generous overhangs inviting daylight while minimizing heat gain. Fully glazed, operable walls embrace the garden, flooding the interior with natural light and capturing prevailing winds for passive cooling.
Externally, Nakaniwa's earthy and minimalist facade gives way to an interior that is as bold as it is eclectic. Vibrant colors and patterns intermingle with whimsical, unexpected details—both vintage and contemporary reflecting the client's global journey.
Bio Established in 2014, Daniel Joseph Chenin, Ltd. is an international award-winning, design studio redefining luxury with an integrated approach that blurs the lines between design disciplines and project typologies. Drawing upon experience crafting luxury hospitality spaces for top tier international brands, the firm is focused on delivering exceptional service and design quality across a range of project types in both architecture and interior design.
