TD atelier and endo shojiro rehabilitate kyoto machiya into home office

TD atelier and endo shojiro rehabilitate kyoto machiya into home office
images © kohei matsumura

machiyas are traditional wooden townhouses typical of kyoto, japan. an abundance of the structures are present in the city, often falling victim to neglect and vacancy. fortunately, one was saved by TD atelier and endo shojiro design. they collaborated on the space, and converted the interior into a small home office. 

earthen floor facing entrance to rest of space

the two removed the walls and ceiling, exposing original lumber construction. a long, slender one-room space was designed, which is vaguely divided by a functional ‘cube’ shape towards the entrance. a compact earthen floor functions as a small area for relaxing or reception as visitors come inside. after completion, the client was left to choose all furnishings in order to best utilize the small floor plan. 

view from front to back

view from office to front 

front reception area

looking down from the top of the cube 

(left) office space and machiya roof structure 
(right) a hatch allows the cube to open upwards 

front façade

before construction

renovation process

renovation process

floor plan 

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