Innovative Renovation: Transforming a Former Company Dormitory into Sustainable Rental Residence

Transforming Living Spaces in Shonan

Tokyu Land Corporation has joined forces with Renovate Inc. to unveil their innovative project, "Conforia Liv Shonan Kugenum," a transformed rental residence situated in the picturesque Shonan Kugenum area of Kanagawa Prefecture. This project marks the complete renovation of a former company dormitory into a contemporary living space designed to enhance community engagement and sustainability.

Situated just a 13-minute walk from Fujisawa Station, the new residence blends accessibility with serene living, fostering a perfect balance for city workers seeking a retreat surrounded by nature. The Shonan Kugenum district, historically known as Japan's first planned resort area, offers tranquil neighborhoods and vibrant marine sports culture, including renowned surf spots and eco-conscious community events.

The Conforia Liv project stands out not just for its location but for its commitment to environmentally-friendly design and community well-being. In collaboration with Keio University’s Environment and Information Studies department, the development integrates initiatives focused on biodiversity. Activities including nature tours and events aim to educate residents about preserving local ecosystems.

Focus on Sustainable Living

Considering diverse lifestyles: The new residence consists of two buildings with a total of 48 units, averaging a spacious 79.54 square meters. Designed primarily as 3LDK apartments, it features flexible layouts that accommodate various lifestyles—be it spacious living rooms perfect for entertaining guests or versatile areas that cater to storage needs for sports equipment, baby strollers, or pet care.

Work-life integration: The development features a shared lounge that has been upgraded to include a work-from-home space, catering to hybrid work styles. Parents can easily keep an eye on their children from workstations equipped with thoughtfully designed monitoring areas. An impressive library curated by the nearby Shonan T-SITE offers around 70 selected titles, enriching the learning opportunities available within the community.

Embracing the outdoors: The property boasts amenities for outdoor enthusiasts, including an outdoor shower for rinsing off after beach visits, surfboard storage, and ample parking spaces designed to accommodate bicycles and larger vehicles. This emphasis on mobility ensures residents can freely enjoy their Shonan lifestyle.

Pet-friendly accommodations: Notably, the residence will allow for multiple large dog ownership within certain units, surpassing traditional pet-friendly property standards. Attention has been given to creating stress-free shared spaces for both pets and residents.

Symbolic community engagement: A new community terrace, known as the "Symbol Terrace," invites local residents to collaborate and enjoy outdoor activities without security restrictions, promoting community relationships.

An Ethical Approach to Development

The renovation strategy employed by Tokyu Land focuses on reinvigorating the existing structure while minimizing environmental impact. By repurposing the original building, they have achieved a 75% reduction in CO² emissions and 96% reduction in waste compared to new constructions. Innovative elements like lighting created from marine plastic waste highlight their dedication to promoting ethical consumption and raising awareness of sustainable living.

Collaboration with academia: The partnership with Keio University extends to enhancing community knowledge about local biodiversity, with plans to host events that encourage family participation in exploring local ecosystems and promoting community engagement.

This project is a prime example of the evolution taking place within Japan’s real estate landscape—where the focus increasingly extends beyond mere living spaces to fostering community, sustainability, and meaningful engagement with the environment.