takenaka group designs a japanese-style housing next to a world heritage site in kyoto

takenaka‘s concept for its most recent housing project in japan is the ‘appearance design’ to respect both the historic atmosphere of the old syake-machi — town-scape once surrounding the shimogamo shrine — and the nature of the ‘tadashi-no-mori’ — world cultural heritage site. the architects have selected japanese traditional gable roofing and have hidden the air conditioners, rainwater pipes and other exterior functional elements, in order to give a simple and sophisticated appearance to each unit.

takenaka designs their latest residential project in kyoto next to a world heritage site

japanese based group takenaka‘s project may feel as though it has been there for a long time. the landscape is composed of stone paving, hedge and exterior wall with roofing, so as to reproduce a historic scenery of the priests’ mansions created there with japanese-style exterior wall, gate with roofing and so on. moreover, the design team has restored the semi stream along the sando, which has been found in pre-construction survey work. this stream contributes to creating the continuity with the landscape of the forest.

takenaka’s project may feel as though it has been there for a long time

for this housing complex, takenaka intends to make it function as a buffer between the shimogamo shrine, the world heritage site and the surrounding historic landscape. furthermore, with an effort to draw both elements of beautiful nature and historic street like a gradation, this project enables people to walk into shimogamo shrine without sense of discomfort. in addition, at the annual aoi-festival, which is a one of the three major festival in kyoto, the historical costume parades pass the sando. this will bring local sanctities to the sites and harmonize the residences with the local community.

a buffer between the shimogamo shrine, the world heritage site and the surrounding historic landscape

this project has started with an intent to find a potential value which realizes the satisfied daily life, in the context of long-term history and nature unique to the shrine. the most important thing for the architects is to preserve the original landscape without destroying the beautiful forests in the construction work. takenaka has taken much care to appreciate each context and reflect them to the buildings and landscape.

takenaka has taken much care to appreciate each context and reflect them to the buildings and landscape

contrary to the typical framework as a residential development work, this residential project is very attractive in regards to how it reproduces the relationship between the shrine and local people to keep the beautiful landscape, and also generating rich living environment for the residents. in other words, this project can be a ‘prototype’ of housing complex projects located in sites with historic value or rich nature. moreover, since the plot was leased for the fixed-term from the shrine, which was in financial difficulties, takenaka’s latest housing project would offer a financial support to its management. as a result, this can be a ‘bridge’ that preserves the japanese traditional religious culture to the future.

this project can be a ‘prototype’ of housing complex projects located in sites with historic value or rich nature

this housing project generates rich living environment for the residents

takenaka blends japanese traditional design with a modern touch

takenaka’s work gives a simple and sophisticated appearance to each unit

takenaka integrates japanese-style rooms to each residence

master plan

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edited by: apostolos costarangos | designboom