HAUS IN SHICHIKUMOMONOMOTOCHO

A renovation of a micro-scale Kyo-machiya measuring just 37 square meters. Designed for a single occupant, the floor plan abandons interior partitions (except for the bathroom) for a generous, open-room concept. Spatial zoning is instead defined through shifts in floor levels. From the bicycle parking and entry approach to the atelier-foyer, kitchen, living area, bench, and garden, the layout fluidly absorbs the home's functions through single-step increments—a contour-like topography that secures an indoor-outdoor flow and eliminates any sense of confinement. Mechanically, the design introduces a ducted, whole-house air conditioning system—a rarity in Machiya architecture. By consolidating the main unit and strategically placing registers, the infrastructure achieves a highly rational integration tailored perfectly to this compact one-room dwelling.

Positioning the kitchen directly along the circulation path is highly rational, streamlining both the unloading of groceries and the serving of meals to the living area. Nestled between the living room and kitchen is custom cabinetry designed specifically to showcase the owner’s collection of antique teaware. While the kitchen appears fully exposed in photographs, the design intentionally leaves room for the owner to add privacy curtains over the storage. Furthermore, the layout anticipates an antique counter table to be placed toward the atelier for tea service, utilizing loose furniture and textiles as soft, ambient buffers rather than rigid architectural walls.

The owner requested an atelier for jewelry-making alongside built-in shelving to display reference materials and completed pieces. To optimize the micro-footprint, the foyer and the workshop are consolidated into a singular, open volume. Since metalworking generates fine debris, a single-step drop from the kitchen structurally isolates the workshop, confining the cleaning zone to the entrance area. This layout greets the owner immediately with their own creations upon returning home, functioning as a curated gallery space that delights both host and guest alike.

The client initially envisioned the loft as their primary sleeping quarters. This was realized through a delicate structural equilibrium, balancing the loft’s ceiling height with the requirements for a high-clearance bathroom and comfortable stair access within the existing frame. To maintain spatial unity with the living room, the loft’s safety barrier is designed as a minimalist, integrated bookshelf-handrail. While lofts often suffer from heat accumulation, comfort is ensured year-round through dedicated vents from the whole-house ducted AC system. Nestled close beneath the prominent Gorombo log beams and purlins, this uniquely scaled nook serves as a serene, deeply comforting sanctuary within the open volume.

Direct access from the living room to the amenities was inevitable given the micro-footprint, yet mitigated through thoughtful concealment. To dissolve the presence of the bathroom, it is tucked behind the custom staircase, featuring a discreet door disguised as under-stairs storage that neatly flushes a designated wine cellar. For the interior lining, "Moiss"—a natural mineral board praised for its moisture-regulating, fire-resistant, and durable qualities—was selected. Responding to the owner's severe chemical sensitivities, the use of synthetic building materials was strictly minimized throughout. The resulting composition honors the character of the historic structure while substantially upgrading its thermal insulation and indoor air quality.

Brass serves as the foundational material for the handrails. However, because brass alone poses structural and welding challenges, a meticulous balance of strength and design was achieved by using brass for the posts and crafting the handrail from a continuous, single-stroke steel flat bar. Excluding the prefab bathroom, all 21 lighting fixtures throughout the home are semi-custom. The selection was the result of extensive collaboration, with the client and architect repeatedly visiting the shop to deliberate alongside the store owner. While the sheer variety of fixtures is extraordinary for a micro-house, the client’s deep literacy in craftsmanship ensures that each room projects a unique identity while maintaining an unexplainable, overarching harmony. By scattering brass as a common thread across handrails, lighting, and hardware, the entire interior feels tightly punctuated and refined.

The original entrance required ascending two steps to the gate. To accommodate the owner’s motorcycle, this level change was eliminated while reconstructing the gateway. The traditional Yakisugi (charred cedar) facade features a highly porous lattice gate, creating a visual layer that reveals the plaster wall inside and imparts a distinct lightness. Tucked away from direct street view, the sliding entrance doors maximize natural light for the atelier. Along the approach, preserving the original timber posts, beams, and structural lath windows (Shitaji-mado) allows the historic character of the Machiya to be felt immediately.