Architectural Cases

Artist Seb Agnew's ambitious photographic venture, "CUBES," is a profound exploration into the essence of spatial design through the lens of meticulously constructed miniature architectural models. Spanning from 2018 to 2025, this extensive series is composed of 27 distinct, hand-built interior environments, segmented into three interconnected phases. The project delves into how architecture not only mirrors human presence and historical evolution but also integrates with complex technological systems, offering a unique perspective on our built world.

Every photograph in the "CUBES" series originates from a tangible, custom-made model room. These intricate setups are created using a blend of traditional craftsmanship and advanced fabrication methods, including laser cutting and 3D printing. Once constructed, these diminutive scenes are carefully illuminated and photographed, then digitally composed to achieve their final form. The resulting images, while presented as photographic art, are deeply rooted in the physical and architectural creation of their subjects.

The Evolution of 'CUBES': From Domesticity to Speculative Futures

The first chapter of the "CUBES" series immerses viewers in intimate domestic interiors, examining themes of personal space, confinement, and individual seclusion within precisely framed cubic structures. The subsequent chapter ventures into historical architectural motifs, reinterpreting them with the addition of visible cracks within the structures. These fissures serve as poignant indicators of fragility and the relentless march of time, suggesting a disruption in historical continuity. The series culminates in its third chapter, where the cubic rooms are reimagined within a fictional, rotating space station. This setting places the architectural narrative within a speculative, technologically driven environment, defined by artificial systems and controlled conditions, pushing the boundaries of spatial imagination.

Throughout its three-chapter progression, the "CUBES" series maintains a consistent cubic framework for each scene, establishing a unified spatial logic that threads through the entire body of work by designer Seb Agnew. While each individual piece functions as a standalone artistic statement, their shared geometric foundation connects them into an evolving architectural system. This system transitions seamlessly from the familiar confines of a domestic interior to the intricate reconstructions of historical eras, and finally, into the visionary realm of speculative infrastructure, offering a comprehensive and thought-provoking journey through architectural concepts.

In the scenic residential district of Kajiwara, nestled within Kamakura, Japan, a 1960s timber-framed dwelling has undergone a remarkable metamorphosis. The architectural firm ROOVICE spearheaded this renovation, breathing new life into the historic structure to cater to the unique needs of a creative couple and their two beloved cats. The design philosophy centered on a delicate balance of preservation and targeted modernization, ensuring the home's inherent charm and structural integrity were honored while significantly enhancing its practical aspects.

Kajiwara House: A Symphony of Past and Present

The journey of transformation commenced with the exterior, which was gracefully coated in a sophisticated black hue. The entrance door and window frames were uniformly finished in the same deep tone, creating a harmonious and unified facade that respects the building's original form. Upon entering, guests are greeted by a subtle yet captivating original detail: a slender band of smooth white pebbles carefully arranged between reddish floor tiles and a concrete step. These loose pebbles introduce a delightful tactile element, inviting interaction. Inside, aged wooden wall panels were replaced with fresh ones, and a simple wooden barrier was thoughtfully installed near the entrance, ensuring the cats' safety when the door is ajar.

On the ground floor, ROOVICE's design team skillfully reimagined the front room, converting it into a versatile studio and office space. The original glass sliding doors from the built-in storage units were meticulously restored, retaining their aesthetic and functional significance. Towards the rear, two garden-facing rooms were seamlessly merged, forming an expansive and inviting living area. Large windows were strategically incorporated, not only flooding the space with natural light but also forging a captivating visual connection to the lush garden outside. Along the serene engawa corridor, the traditional shoji-lined walls were carefully preserved, as were the original ceiling boards. Where new ceiling sections were introduced, they were finished with distinct wooden panels, clearly articulating the dialogue between the home's original elements and its contemporary additions. A continuous flooring treatment throughout the entire level fosters a fluid and cohesive spatial experience.

The bathroom, a private sanctuary, cleverly retains an interior window that overlooks the hallway. The space was subtly expanded to enhance its utility, with existing wall tiles meticulously preserved wherever feasible. In areas where matching tiles were unavailable, new white tiles were intentionally introduced, creating a tasteful contrast that celebrates the home's layered character. The original tamaira floor tiles remain intact, anchoring the space in its historical context. In the culinary heart of the home, the kitchen, built-in cupboards were refreshed and maintained, while only the outdated sections were replaced with a bespoke wooden counter. The floor was finished with mortar, a deliberate choice by the homeowners, anticipating the natural development of cracks over time as part of the material's evolving aesthetic.

Venturing upstairs, two smaller rooms were ingeniously combined to form a spacious and tranquil bedroom. Existing oshiire closets were integrated into one continuous storage solution, offering ample space. Generous windows ensure the enlarged bedroom is bathed in natural light. While the formal renovation work has concluded, the owners envision completing the walls with shikkui plaster themselves, extending the adaptive process beyond the construction phase and imbuing the home with their personal touch.

This renovation by ROOVICE serves as a compelling testament to how thoughtful design can bridge the gap between historical architecture and modern living. It demonstrates a deep respect for the past while embracing the needs and desires of the present. The Kajiwara House not only provides a beautiful and functional home but also tells a story of careful stewardship and creative adaptation, proving that even a mid-century wooden house can be transformed into a vibrant, contemporary haven for its inhabitants and their beloved pets. This project highlights the importance of sustainable practices in architecture, focusing on revitalizing existing structures rather than simply replacing them, and underscores the beauty found in the integration of old and new.