tailored design lab renovates and remodels a 70 year old house in kaga city

tailored design lab renovates and remodels a 70 year old house in kaga city
all images by yuji nishijima

in the central japanese city of kaga, local practice tailored design lab has renovated a 70 year old dwelling for a client of the same age. the architects sought to restore the home’s original characteristics, which shared many of the same qualities as the client’s first residence where he lived until he was 18. as a result of depopulation, many of the surrounding buildings remain vacant. as a consequence, the ground floor of the structure — which was once used for large gatherings and ceremonies — has been remodeled to serve as a more intimate private living space.

the 70 year old dwelling has been renovated for a client of the same age

the design team carefully stripped away the wood from the ceiling joists, creating a large double-height space that uncovers the building’s original structure and reveals the roof’s robust trusses. this red-stained wood has been repurposed as floorboards, tabletops, and handrails. a new window illuminates this space, providing natural light and ventilation.

the façade has been clad with blackened timber

as well as stripping away parts of the existing building, the architects also improved the building’s amenities. for example, the previously damaged kitchen walls have been replaced with an airtight partition that is both insulated and earthquake-resistant. while the choice of materials reflects the past, they have been carefully reorganized to create an inviting and comfortable retirement home.

the architects sought to restore the original characteristics of the home

the design team carefully stripped away the wood from the ceiling joists, creating a large double-height space

intimate living spaces have also been created

tatami room

red-stained wood has been repurposed as floorboards, tabletops, and handrails

the property illuminated from within

the house prior to its renovation

floor plan / level 0

project info:

architects: tailored design lab — hidetoshi sawa + tomohiko iida + norifumi watanabe
contractor: shimoara co., ltd
program: residential
location: kaga-city, ishikawa, japan
site area: 1,120 sqm
gfa: 293.52 sqm
renovated floor area: 105.17 sqm
structure: wooden
photography: yuji nishijima