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Original image from https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/17/t-magazine/karuizawa-forest-home.html

Escape to Tokyo’s Hidden Forest Retreat

May 19, 2024
1 min read

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TLDR:

  • Karuizawa is known as “Tokyo’s backyard” and is a popular retreat for city dwellers.
  • Architect Terence Ngan and interior designer Ed Ng have created a tranquil home in Karuizawa.

A Forest Retreat in ‘Tokyo’s Backyard’

The architect Terence Ngan and the interior designer Ed Ng have made a home for themselves in Karuizawa, Japan, known as “Tokyo’s backyard”. The couple, who own the Hong Kong-based firm AB Concept, decided to run their business from Japan during the pandemic, starting with a vacation home near Mount Asama that they purchased in 2018.

Over the course of three years, Ngan and Ng settled permanently in Japan, buying the last available piece of land next to their existing property in Karuizawa. Their property is surrounded by cherry, pine, and larch trees, creating a supertranquil environment that contrasts their usual projects filled with glamour and shine. They aimed to create a serene retreat for themselves.

In their home, you can find a mix of vintage and contemporary pieces, such as a George Nakashima lounge chair, a Hans Wegner Papa Bear chair, and sculptures by Javier Calleja. The couple’s style is reflected in every corner of the house, showcasing their appreciation for design and comfort.

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In this summary, the key elements highlighted include the location of Karuizawa as a retreat for city dwellers, the decision of Terence Ngan and Ed Ng to create a tranquil home in the area, the mix of vintage and contemporary design elements in their home, and their transition to settling permanently in Japan. These aspects showcase their unique approach to design and their desire to create a peaceful sanctuary for themselves in a natural setting.