Sun City Palace Showa Kinen Koen
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Location
Tachikawa, Japan
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Architect
Richard Beard Architects
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Landscape Architect
SWA Group
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Builder
Maeda Corporation
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Photographer
Hall + Merrick Photographers
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Lighting Consultant
Apeiro Design
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Team Members
Gerry Jue, Martin Oestlund, Gabriela Clark, Lauren McGuier
Borrowed Scenery
Inspired by the Japanese concept of shakkei, or “borrowed scenery,” the design uses nature as both backdrop and collaborator. Views of Showa Kinen Koen are framed like a piece of artwork, captured through expansive windows, echoed in materials, and reflected in the flow of space.
Each interior vantage point was carefully orchestrated to blur the boundaries between built form and landscape. The result is a sense of immersion, where light, foliage, and seasonality become daily companions, and the serenity of Showa Kinen Koen National Park extends inward to enrich the rhythms of daily life.
BAMO Designed a Living Framework for Wellness and Wonder.
Rather than impose on the landscape, the architecture defers to it, gently shaping space around gardens, light, and the quiet rhythms of nature. Buildings are massed with sensitivity, their forms stepping and opening to protect views, soften scale, and bring the park into constant presence. Meandering paths loop through landscaped courtyards and encourage a sense of discovery with every turn.
Interiors are crafted to complement the setting without mimicry. A rich palette of walnut, stone, lacquer, and handmade washi strikes a balance between refinement and familiarity, while custom furnishings and fixtures are thoughtfully scaled to support both accessibility and dignity. The result is a home that feels deeply considered, where movement is intuitive, materials are resonant, and every view reaffirms a connection to the world outside.
From sunlit dining rooms to serene bathing suites and vibrant activity areas, residents experience a spectrum of moments designed for comfort, curiosity, and care. The project offers more than a place to live, it provides a meaningful, enduring sense of place
