kooo architects has renovated a machiya house in kyoto, japan, with white-hued spaces that update its interior appearance while maintaining its historical value. a machiya is a type of traditional japanese house where the two side walls do not have windows because they are shared with the neighboring building. as such the interior tends to be dark, especially due to its long and narrow shape. in ‘weekend house in kyoto’, the architects have managed to transform the residence into a sequence of bright, light-filled interior spaces through a series of spatial interventions.kooo architects renovates traditional machiya house in kyoto with white-hued interiors
all images by keishin horikoshi /SS

 

 

kooo architects has added a skylight to the main space of the house, which, together with the small, open-air courtyard, contributes to the illumination and ventilation of the building. all rotten and non-functioning building materials were removed in order to upgrade sound and heat insulation qualities. at the same time, existing elements such as certain beams, columns, and the open-air courtyard were preserved and restored to their original appearance. in contrast with the modern interior design, the beauty of these historical elements stands out more. kooo architects renovates traditional machiya house in kyoto with white-hued interiors
close-up view of the facade

 

 

in terms of façade design, the architects chose to respect the historical style of the kyoto streets and made minimum changes to the appearance. traditional craftsmen were invited to only touch-up the earth wall and reseal the decaying wooden window frame. ‘we believe being respective to the historical values should not be blindly enduring a lifestyle that is no longer appropriate nowadays,‘ says kooo architects, ‘but at the same time, we also should not abandon all traces that once existed.’

kooo architects renovates traditional machiya house in kyoto with white-hued interiors

fusion of nature and living environmentkooo architects renovates traditional machiya house in kyoto with white-hued interiors
small courtyard

kooo architects renovates traditional machiya house in kyoto with white-hued interiors
the living room opens to the exterior through a large door and windows facing the sunlightkooo architects renovates traditional machiya house in kyoto with white-hued interiors
the stairs leading up to the living roomkooo architects renovates traditional machiya house in kyoto with white-hued interiors
the original wooden structure in the space connects the two main areaskooo architects renovates traditional machiya house in kyoto with white-hued interiors
comfortable and bright living space

kooo architects renovates traditional machiya house in kyoto with white-hued interiors
the living room

kooo architects renovates traditional machiya house in kyoto with white-hued interiors
small courtyard

kooo architects renovates traditional machiya house in kyoto with white-hued interiors
the bedroom area on the second floorkooo architects renovates traditional machiya house in kyoto with white-hued interiors
the bedroom area

kooo architects renovates traditional machiya house in kyoto with white-hued interiors
exterior of the house

 

 

project info:

 

name: weekend house in kyoto

architect: kooo architects

team: kojima shinya, kojima ayaka ,keitaro yasukawa

location: kyoto, japan

area: 55.1 sqm

photography: keishin horikoshi / SS

 

 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: sofia lekka angelopoulou | designboom