UZU architects: guesthouse in arima

'guesthouse in arima' by UZU architects in kobe, japan
all images courtesy UZU architects
image © akiyoshi fukuzawa


'guesthouse inarima' by japanese practice UZU architects is a renovation project to a small
two-storey house located in an old hot spring resort in kobe, japan. originally built after
the second world war, the design takes careful measures to maintain the structure's identity
by preserving the traditional characteristics of its build.



stone steps leading to entrance
image © akiyoshi fukuzawa


located on a lush corner plot surrounded by old maple trees, the client requested a guesthouse
for visiting friends and relatives that could provide a comfortable atmosphere within nature.
the presence of the trees are incorporated into the approach, lining and growing over an outdoor
stairway that leads to a terrace. celebrating the house's original structure, the tiled roof and
wooden beams are preserved.



wooden stairs descending to lower level terrace
images © akiyoshi fukuzawa


approached as applying a 'light makeup' to the house, the interior's original materials are
minimally touched. the most drastic change includes the removal of the ceiling boards which
exposed the existing structure of the house. a light linen mesh has been installed above the rooms,
resulting in a slightly industrial effect with dramatic play of light and shadow. my carefully
editing and adding to the original structure, the design aims to gently bridge the old with
the contemporary.



entrance to living space
image © akiyoshi fukuzawa



(left) corridor to sitting room
(right) perimeter wood bench
images © akiyoshi fukuzawa



corridor / stairs
image © akiyoshi fukuzawa



tatami room
image © akiyoshi fukuzawa



at night
image © akiyoshi fukuzawa