ROOVICE restores openness in traditional two-story house in yokohama

Roovice reduces mass for a flexible open plan

ROOVICE studio undertook the renovation project of a two-story family residence in Kohoku, Japan. The restorative plan aimed in subtracting elements of the existing premises for open living space and a flexible layout. The 1970s ‘Tsunashima House’, built in the region of Yokohama, presented a sequence of rooms and hallways unnecessary for modern use. Removing walls from the center of the plan developed a visual connection between the northern and southern sides of the building and, therefore, a great increase in natural light. The infrastructure sustained the main tilted wooden pillars, now functioning as transitional dividers between the primary common areas. The renovation was focused on arranging the living areas in an open plan, avoiding any radical change in the framework.

tilted wooden pillars functioning as transitional dividers between the primary common areas | all images by Akira Nakamura

Restoration reveals hidden japanese craftwork

The living area exposes the wooden structure of the ceiling showing off the repaired skylight, fitted in a simplified shape. The tatami room maintained its original flooring and ceiling emitting a traditional ambiance to the modernized space. The kitchen wall is covered in the popular Japanese 10×10 cm white tile, reliable in its use and its reflective materiality. On the west end of the house, the wooden staircase connects the two levels. The team in ROOVICE adjusted the layout of the second floor, only by repairing damaged elements and replacing them when needed. The bedroom flooring, as well as the cushion layer of the hallway, were removed revealing the traditional woven floor. Each room has a unique view and plenty of natural light, setting up a cozy atmosphere and displaying the Japanese features of the house (see more here). 

second floor Japanese-style room replaced its tatami with a more suitable moquette

the dining area of the ‘tsunashima house’ in natural light

the kitchen wall is covered in the popular Japanese white tile

The first-floor tatami room emits a traditional ambiance to the modernized space

display of the Japanese features of the house in the tatami room

the furnished second-floor bedroom after restoration

furnished living area and kitchen in the independent unit of ‘tsunashima house’

renovated bedroom in the independent unit of ‘tsunashima house’

project info:

name: Tsunashima House
architects: ROOVICE

lead designer: Moe Watanabe

location: Kohoku, Yokohama, Japan

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom