Tato Architects Redesign a Small Traditional Japanese House

This, once traditional, Japanese house recently underwent a redesign to convert it into a modern, functional home suitable for a young couple. The revamp was carried out by local architecture firm Tato Architects, and the house itself can be found in Hyogo prefecture.

The house has been simply dubbed “House in Kamisawa”. All told, it contains a total of 936 square feet (87 square meters). The front face of the building has been opened with glazed doors along its length that introduce plenty of natural light and make the most of the narrow garden.

The original building featured a very traditional interior with the space being divided into six main rooms. However, the architects felt a more open plan layout would be better suited to the clients: “The existing house contained many rooms, which seemed to be unsuitable for a young couple who were starting a new life there.”

They removed the interior walls and replaced them with a single large space into which they could insert curved partitions to create rooms. The roof and structure of the house were also revealed, allowing the building to maintain its sense of character and history.

The left side of the house is now dedicated to storage and wash room facilities. The right side feature the master bedroom and a large walk-in closet. The space between is taken up by an open plan kitchen, dining and living room, with the bathroom and a guest room set within the curving plywood screens.

A concrete floor was installed with built in underfloor heating. For ventilation and cooling, the occupants are able to open up large patio doors to the front. To provide some additional storage space, a small loft can be found above the master bedroom and is accessed by ladder.

For more Japanese houses check out Takeshi Shikauchi’s small house that features two residences in one. Or, this small house that uses passive design to combat the elements. See all Japanese houses.

Via Dezeen
Photos: Shinkenchiku Sha