LAFF INTERNATIONAL PROJECT

This project involves the renovation of an Edo-period estate consisting of ten historic structures in Kameoka, Kyoto. Spanning over 400 sqm across three selected buildings, the program reconfigures them into the main house (Omoya) with a library, the annex (Hanare) with a studio, and a bathhouse connecting the two. The voluminous Omoya features comprehensive climate control paired with an automated roof-sprinkling system using well water for evaporative cooling. Equipped with a closed-loop filtration system for a massive tub five times standard capacity, alongside solar panels and thermal storage, the estate integrates advanced "semi-off-grid" infrastructure to ensure self-sufficiency during disasters. Traditional interiors that had been fragmented by past alterations were restored to their original, expansive state—a single Doma (earthen-floor) space merging the entrance and dining kitchen. Stripping away non-structural partitions and ceilings, the design reclaims the monumental volume inherent to regional farmhouses.

Finding the traditional Okudosan (earthen hearth) salvageable with minor repairs, the kitchen was designed to integrate this historic element. A seamless plaster finish unifies the sink, storage, and a heat-shielding wall for the wood stove, protecting the historic hearth. Beneath the stove, dark gray Beal Mortex tiles match the black-tinted Gorombo log beams and ink-colored mortar floor. While the Okudosan remains fully operational, the wall-side workspace is thoroughly equipped with commercial-grade gas ranges and refrigeration. Above, weaving through the majestic log beams, the twin chimneys of the hearth and the wood stove ascend directly toward the new and historic ceilings.

The whole-house air conditioning for the main building is anchored beneath the meticulously insulated first floor. This infrastructure demanded extensive ductwork, supply/exhaust zones, floor slits, and large wall diffusers. To integrate these requirements, a feature wall was crafted by arranging numerous salvaged Tansu (traditional chests) into a patchwork mosaic based on color and scale. Far from purely decorative, this wall functions as a mechanical skin that conceals the rear ductwork and integrates the large air grilles. Black steel sheets line the junctions between chests and the diffusers on the mezzanine and second floors, unifying the visual language. Externally, to protect the garden's scenic value from the massive outdoor compressor units, they were isolated in a hidden, courtyard-style utility zone at the far rear. The enclosing wall's height and alignment were meticulously sculpted to respect the organic profile of an existing pine tree.

The inherent potential of the building’s interior, exterior, and garden was remarkably high. To find the optimal response, the design carefully balanced site conditions, functionality, cost, and scenery. Seeking expansive views of the garden, the dining area features a large opening fitted with a modern sash, prioritizing airtight performance. Conversely, while high-visibility openings facing the street received newly crafted wooden fixtures, the exterior walls underwent minimal repairs, leaving the facade virtually unchanged. Believing that this grand structure matured over centuries required no superfluous additions, the intervention focused strictly on meticulous, respectful refinement.

Serving as the client’s Kansai base alongside their primary Kanto location, this section houses a dedicated workspace. The space was originally an extension used as a latrine—a function absent during the building's initial Edo-period construction. Due to its original nature, the indoor-outdoor boundary was previously ambiguous; this was meticulously reorganized while addressing security concerns. Embracing its unique, peninsular geometry that juts into the landscape, the former extension was elevated into a special sanctuary-like studio entirely wrapped by the garden.

To preserve the historic books and albums found on-site, the second floor was converted into a library. Doubling as a corporate retreat, the space features a continuous Tatami floor for group stays—a low-slung layout highly logical for the low ceilings. Four micro-booths with small apertures offer a cozy sense of seclusion, akin to retreating into a nest. The wall cladding utilizes salvaged "Bara-ita" slats from the original subfloor, repurposing their organic, un-edged widths as a textured interior feature. To protect the historic roof decking and log rafters from being concealed by modern insulation, the design introduced a passive cooling system: pumping well water onto the roof for automated sprinkling, cooling the surface via evaporative heat loss. This technical pivot allowed the Edo-period timber to be preserved, breathing vibrant new life into the space.

While the high ceiling of the first floor presented a challenge for the staircase placement, a low-hanging existing beam inspired the integration of a floor, creating a landing that doubles as a mezzanine. A previously sealed opening with fixed storm shutters was replaced with newly crafted wooden fixtures, breathing light into this special nook. Fully integrated into the whole-house AC zone, it functions comfortably as an alternative workspace or a cozy spot to read books from the library. Positioned between the first-floor living quarters and the second-floor library, it serves as a delightful intermediate domain.

Because the traditional walls and ceilings remained in excellent, high-quality condition, aesthetic interventions were kept to a minimum. The fine existing doors and screens were rearranged to reconfigure room-to-room relationships, maximizing their utility. Conversely, the floors underwent extensive reconstruction to accommodate infrastructure for whole-house air conditioning and electrical routing. In the primary bedroom, a new opening connects to the studio. Preserving the historic decorative alcove post (Tokobashira), a black-steel-clad volume was inserted to serve as a headboard with side-access storage. Since rooms bounded on all four sides by sliding screens lack surfaces for switches and outlets, a triangular corner conduit was introduced, also finished in black steel. While its dark hue seamlessly blends into the shadows, the contrasting texture injects a refined, subtle tension into the space.

This section functions as the guest room. Demolishing the existing ceiling exposed the magnificent expression of the original Gorombo log beams. Their robust joinery, distinct from urban Machiya typologies, possesses a compelling presence; guests laying on Futons beneath them will likely feel awed by this monumental scale. The cement panels lining the wooden floor area, though industrial, exhibit natural efflorescence, ensuring a unique, textured patina for each piece. The seamlessly integrated transoms (Ranma) were salvaged and relocated from elsewhere in the room. Furthermore, the triangular steps transitioning from the wooden floor to the Tatami, along with the TV console, were crafted by dividing a single historic alcove (Tokonoma) counter, breathing new purpose into ancient timber.

To accommodate the client’s diverse hobbies, a dedicated soundproof studio was requested inside the Hanare (detached pavilion). While photographs reveal a sleek, modern interior that belies its location within a historic folk house, advanced acoustic insulation drastically reduces external sound transmission. However, integrating this program into an ancient structure posed severe constraints regarding the existing envelope and framing. Non-removable columns and beams created inevitable acoustic weak points. Facing this challenge, the design team overcame the hurdles through meticulous consultations and rigorous verification with manufacturers and craftsmen.

Spanning over 9 Tatami mats, the bathroom and dressing area form a generous sanctuary complete with a private courtyard. Just before construction, a major design revision was made to capture the essence of a hot spring (Shin-Appi Onsen) the client had visited. Overcoming plumbing constraints, the design facilitates a unique bathing ritual: kneeling inside a 930 mm-deep tub and resting elbows on a sloped window ledge while gazing at the garden. Finished in Towada stone with a meticulously calculated tile layout, the specific pieces for the floor, walls, and tub coping were handpicked at a local stone merchant together with the client and contractor.