A house in Tokyo inspired by a Moroccan Riad with the kitchen as the main feature

Built on a plot with significant verticality, this house in Tokyo stands out for its unique style. The client wanted a design inspired by a Moroccan riad, but instead of simply recreating these traditional constructions, designer Katsutoshi Naoi chose to organise the spaces "in such a way that walking through the house feels like walking through narrow alleys leading to several small gardens." "As a result, the gardens appear in different visual lines throughout the house. While not decorative in itself, the combination of natural materials, such as plaster and wood, along with Dekton and tiles, helps create a warm atmosphere without being overly plain," he adds.

In this context, the kitchen is located at the centre of the house. A surface with a design that is either too bold or too subtle would not fit, "so we needed a material that harmonised with the surrounding elements while maintaining its own presence," says the designer. The choice was Dekton Rem.

The kitchen layout directly reflects this idea of fragmented circulation and interconnected spaces. Thus, the island serves as a visual and functional axis, aligned with the side openings that connect to the interior gardens, ensuring that daily activities are always linked to the influx of natural light and vegetation.

Dekton Rem is used both on the perimeter worktop and the island, reinforcing a continuous reading of the material. The soft and slightly irregular veining of the finish introduces a recognisable mineral presence, yet restrained enough to coexist with the wood of the lower cabinets, the glazed fronts of the upper cabinets, and the small-format ceramic tiles framing the work area.

From a construction perspective, the island is designed as a solid volume with clean lines, featuring an exposed edge and integrated sink, without added profiles or intermediate elements. The choice of Dekton also responds to the technical requirements of an open and central kitchen: heat resistance near the hob, stain resistance, and ease of cleaning in a space without partitions, permanently exposed to view.

In this case, Dekton Rem meets these demands without introducing an overly dominant finish, which is essential in a home where natural materials, changing light, and the presence of courtyards define the perception of the space.

"We chose Dekton Rem for its durability, also suitable for kitchens, and for the wide variety of natural stone-effect designs available. The colour selection follows the same design logic, ensuring visual balance and continuity throughout the space without competing with the central area of the kitchen. Beyond durability and the wide range of designs available, the most significant benefit is the texture and feel similar to natural stone, which brings warmth and authenticity to the space while remaining highly practical for daily use," concludes the designer.