Schemata Architects converts Tokyo factory into artist's studio with an indoor garden
A chipboard shed and a herb garden occupy the top floor of this former factory in Tokyo that Schemata Architects has converted into a workshop for a kimono designer (+ slideshow).
![Takahashi Hiroko Oshiage Studio by Schemata](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/03/Takahashi-Hiroko-Oshiage-Studio-by-Schemata_dezeen_468_15.jpg)
The Tokyo-based studio led by architect Jo Nagasaka transformed an old steel-framed factory building in Sumida ward to create the three-storey workspace for Takahashi Hiroko, an artist and textile designer who creates graphic monochrome prints for kimonos.
![Takahashi Hiroko Oshiage Studio by Schemata](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/03/Takahashi-Hiroko-Oshiage-Studio-by-Schemata_dezeen_468_17.jpg)
A private studio surrounded by planting is contained within a volume on the uppermost floor, while the two preceding levels provide exhibition spaces, a shop and fitting area.
![Takahashi Hiroko Oshiage Studio by Schemata](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/03/Takahashi-Hiroko-Oshiage-Studio-by-Schemata_dezeen_468_14.jpg)
"The construction of the original building was based on the value of quantity over quality," explained Schemata Architects. "As a result, you can see various gaps and distortions all over the building after 40 years, which are made even more clearly visible by newly applied coating and finishes."
![Takahashi Hiroko Oshiage Studio by Schemata](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/03/Takahashi-Hiroko-Oshiage-Studio-by-Schemata_dezeen_468_16.jpg)
"We intended to transform these gaps and distortions into unique spaces where one encounters unexpected experiences," said the team.
![Takahashi Hiroko Oshiage Studio by Schemata](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/03/Takahashi-Hiroko-Oshiage-Studio-by-Schemata_dezeen_468_18.jpg)
A door opens from the chipboard hut into an indoor garden where edible plants and seedlings are potted in stacked grey plastic crates.
![Takahashi Hiroko Oshiage Studio by Schemata](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/03/Takahashi-Hiroko-Oshiage-Studio-by-Schemata_dezeen_468_6.jpg)
Larger leafy and trailing species planted in hanging vessels are suspended on lengths of chain from the metal rafters, which have been been treated with a white fireproof coating that gives them a textured finish.
![Takahashi Hiroko Oshiage Studio by Schemata](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/03/Takahashi-Hiroko-Oshiage-Studio-by-Schemata_dezeen_468_19.jpg)
A flight of wooden stairs descend from the shed into a mirrored fitting area on the first floor and then on to the ground floor, where the primary exhibition and meeting space can be seen through the building's glazed facade.
![Takahashi Hiroko Oshiage Studio by Schemata](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/03/Takahashi-Hiroko-Oshiage-Studio-by-Schemata_dezeen_468_5.jpg)
A large atrium provides a double-height exhibition space where kimonos are displayed in a vast wall-mounted cabinet.
![Takahashi Hiroko Oshiage Studio by Schemata](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/03/Takahashi-Hiroko-Oshiage-Studio-by-Schemata_dezeen_468_4.jpg)
On the ground floor, two large metal tables can be adapted to create a meeting space, or to be used as a flat display area. A series of smaller chipboard plinths can be used to lay out small accessories and pieces of material.
![Takahashi Hiroko Oshiage Studio by Schemata](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/03/Takahashi-Hiroko-Oshiage-Studio-by-Schemata_dezeen_468_10.jpg)
A white door opens into a contained staircase at one side of the space, leading to first floor fitting rooms with mirrored walls, neutral-toned tatami matting and gold and white furnishings.
![Takahashi Hiroko Oshiage Studio by Schemata](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/03/Takahashi-Hiroko-Oshiage-Studio-by-Schemata_dezeen_468_9.jpg)
Strip lighting set into long metal frames brightly lights the lower floors, giving these two spaces a more industrial appearance.
![Takahashi Hiroko Oshiage Studio by Schemata](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/03/Takahashi-Hiroko-Oshiage-Studio-by-Schemata_dezeen_468_20.jpg)
Photography is by Shiori Kawamoto.
Project credits:
Architects: Jo Nagasaka/Schemata Architects
Project team: Masami Nakata
Construction: Eiger
Furniture: E&Y
Garden: Kazumasa Higurashi
Planting: Yoshiki Maeshiba
![Takahashi Hiroko Oshiage Studio by Schemata](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/03/Takahashi-Hiroko-Oshiage-Studio-by-Schemata_dezeen_1.gif)
![Takahashi Hiroko Oshiage Studio by Schemata](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/03/Takahashi-Hiroko-Oshiage-Studio-by-Schemata_dezeen_2.gif)
![Takahashi Hiroko Oshiage Studio by Schemata](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/03/Takahashi-Hiroko-Oshiage-Studio-by-Schemata_dezeen_3.gif)