HAUS IN IMAGUMANOMINAMIHIYOSHICHO

This project is the first renovation by Hiroki Akakuma Architect & Associates, building on my prior experience with Kyomachiya townhouses. Commissioned by a real estate developer for resale, the property required a versatile design. Without fixed residents, the brief demanded a dual-purpose layout that could function either as a private residence or a whole-house vacation rental within a limited budget. To respect the historic streetscape, we avoided eccentric design choices. The front gate received minimal repairs, and the fences follow the original timber boarding layout. Utilitarian elements like gas and electric meters were discreetly placed away from the main facade while remaining accessible for inspections.

The layout flows seamlessly from the approach to the entrance, kitchen, living room, and terrace, allowing light and wind to pass from east to west. The core of the design consists of two granite-clad walls. The first rises through both floors along the original tori-niwa (passage garden) axis, extending to the exterior facade. Aligned as a structural load-bearing wall, it supports the building while creating a balanced contrast between the main and secondary spaces. Utilities, the stairs, a study, and a sunroom are consolidated on the former tori-niwa side. Strategic openings in the stone wall interconnect these adjacent areas rather than strictly partitioning them. This specific granite was selected for its versatility, wrapping seamlessly across the interior, exterior, and wet areas.

The second wall penetrates between the interior and exterior. Indoors, it appears only in the entrance and restroom, while outdoors, it orchestrates the spatial sequence from the gate to the entrance. It also acts as a screen for the bicycle entryway. By applying a flamed (jet-burner) finish to the main surface and a polished finish exclusively to the rebated frame of the sliding door, we introduced a subtle variance in thickness using the same stone, thereby enhancing airtightness. A small niche for keys was integrated to align with the 300mm square stone grid. By meticulously coordinating the door heights with the stone layout and wrapping the stone around the opening edges, we successfully balanced a powerful presence with seamless architectural harmony.

The original restroom connected by an open corridor under the lean-to roof was intentionally kept as a semi-outdoor space rather than being brought indoors. This decision secured a terrace of approximately 7.5 square meters on the constrained site. Connected via a large opening, it serves as an extension of the living room, while the new fence—finished with the same timber boarding as the exterior walls—visually and environmentally complements the interior. The small garden allows occupants to feel nature when seated on the sofa, and the continuous open plan combines with the small entrance garden to optimize green views throughout the layout.

When converting the former tori-niwa into a staircase, the extra width was utilized to create a full-height bookshelf, transforming the circulation space into an inviting area to linger. For the storage room accessed from the stairs, we repurposed the house’s original fittings. Alongside the gorombo (exposed structural beams), these elements deliberately weave the home’s accumulated memory into the new design. The sunroom adjacent to Bedroom 2 also faces the staircase, allowing ample natural light to flood through its large opening. By seamlessly extending the bookshelf into the sunroom’s counter, the two spaces achieve a deeper sense of unity.

In both bedrooms, the original mairado (wooden sliding doors) were repurposed for corridor access and storage. Utilities are consolidated in the center, with air conditioning units integrated into the cabinetry to minimize visual noise. By connecting the ceilings of Bedrooms 1 and 2, the design creates a generous, unified volume that preserves the raw impact of the continuous gorombo (exposed structural beams). Where the granite walls intersect with the gorombo, the stone was meticulously carved to trace the contours of the timber—a gesture of reverence for the existing structure. Encountering this completed detail for the first time evoked the striking impression of a fossil unearthed from the ground.

With the dining kitchen positioned immediately upon entry, a standard wall-mounted modular kitchen was avoided in favor of a custom-built design that harmonizes with the exposed-beam yamato-tenjo (traditional joist ceiling) and antique fittings. While using lauan plywood toned to match the interior as the base material, the design prevents visual heaviness by lifting the kitchen volume off the floor and floating the countertop above the base. The goal was to achieve a beautiful, furniture-like presence that transcends its utilitarian kitchen function.