UME Architects creates home and studio for a photographer in revamped Kyoto apartment
Exposed concrete is paired with white furnishings in this two-level Kyoto property that Japanese studio UME Architects has converted into a photographer's home and atelier (+ slideshow).
![Apartment and Atelier in Arashiyama by UME Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/03/apartment-atelier-arashiyama-ume-architects-kyoto-japan_dezeen_936_0.jpg)
UME Architects reconfigured the layout of the 85-square-metre property, creating a one-bedroom living space on the lower level, and a workspace and studio on the smaller upper level.
Concrete ceilings and beams are left exposed throughout, contrasting with the white staircase, furniture and fittings that have been added.
![Apartment and Atelier in Arashiyama by UME Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/03/apartment-atelier-arashiyama-ume-architects-kyoto-japan_dezeen_936_1.jpg)
UME also added a dark mortar floor with a high-shine epoxy coating on the lower level, and installed carpet in a matching dark shade upstairs – emphasising the monochrome aesthetic.
According to studio founder Satoru Umehara, the aim was to give a "strong impression of unity in the whole space".
![Apartment and Atelier in Arashiyama by UME Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/03/apartment-atelier-arashiyama-ume-architects-kyoto-japan_dezeen_936_2.jpg)
On the lower level, the living room and dining area are positioned behind the large windows, which lead out to a terrace and a balcony. A bedroom, bathroom and kitchen frame the entrance.
"The lines of sight and movement run directly through hall, living room, terrace, to outside from the entrance," said the architect.
![Apartment and Atelier in Arashiyama by UME Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/03/apartment-atelier-arashiyama-ume-architects-kyoto-japan_dezeen_936_3.jpg)
A white-painted concrete staircase leads up to the atelier, which has a workspace on one side and a lounge/studio on the other. Both areas open out to a large roof terrace.
"The project provides large private terraces at different levels, facilitating beautiful views to Atago mountains, especially during ‘Torii’ of ‘Gozan-no-Okuribi’ – a summer event in Kyoto – and to the Higashiyama mountains," said Satoru.
![Apartment and Atelier in Arashiyama by UME Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/03/apartment-atelier-arashiyama-ume-architects-kyoto-japan_dezeen_936_4.jpg)
Light fittings upstairs were chosen to mimic natural light, to create a comfortable working environment.
Translucent white curtains extend down one whole wall, acting as a filter to protect the space from direct sunlight coming in from the west. They also allow the space to adapt to different types of photographic shoot.
![Apartment and Atelier in Arashiyama by UME Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/03/apartment-atelier-arashiyama-ume-architects-kyoto-japan_2_dezeen_936_0.jpg)
One wall is mirrored, while others are covered with floor-to-ceiling shelving units.
Umehara founded UME Architecture in 2010 after working for Dutch firm Wiel Arets Architects, on projects including a textured glass house elsewhere in Japan and a glass residence in the Netherlands.
![Apartment and Atelier in Arashiyama by UMEarchitects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/03/apartment-atelier-arashiyama-ume-architects-kyoto-japan_dezeen_plan_1-e1457635107652.gif)
![Apartment and Atelier in Arashiyama by UMEarchitects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/03/apartment-atelier-arashiyama-ume-architects-kyoto-japan_dezeen_plan_2.gif)
![Apartment and Atelier in Arashiyama by UMEarchitects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/03/apartment-atelier-arashiyama-ume-architects-kyoto-japan_dezeen_section_1-e1457635130713.gif)
![Apartment and Atelier in Arashiyama by UMEarchitects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/03/apartment-atelier-arashiyama-ume-architects-kyoto-japan_dezeen_section_2-e1457635767707.gif)
![Apartment and Atelier in Arashiyama by UMEarchitects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/03/apartment-atelier-arashiyama-ume-architects-kyoto-japan_dezeen_section_3-e1457635727226.gif)