analogue's 1990s concrete-block house renovation in japan revives its structural layers

analogue renews 1990s concrete residence in japan

In Gifu Prefecture, Japan, architecture studio Analogue renovates House M, a home originally built by one of its founding architects in the early 1990s, and reimagines it for a new couple who have recently made it their own. The two-story dwelling is defined by its robust concrete-block shell and a light, folded-plate roof with a gentle pitch. Analogue chooses to work with the marks of age, reading the structural logic of the residence as a guide for renewal. The dimensions of the new elements reference the scale of the concrete blocks, the reinforced concrete framework, and the folded geometry of the roof. This calibration lets the new elements fit into the existing structure while remaining clearly identifiable as modern interventions.

all images by Semi photograph

renovation reveals the structural logic of house m

The renovation by the Japanese architects at Analogue addresses thermal comfort and ground humidity without disturbing the core integrity of the house. New floor edges, fittings, and adjustable louvers were introduced, maintaining the clarity of the existing structure. Each intervention was designed to be visible, allowing one to understand what has been added and how it connects to the original.

The ground floor of House M opens along a north–south axis, while the upper level extends east–west, framing views of the neighborhood’s tiled rooftops and the surrounding mountains. Three central round columns organize the first-floor plan, dividing the interior into a northern and southern side. These shifts establish a layered spatial rhythm, where different atmospheres coexist within a single volume.

architecture studio Analogue renovates House M

a home originally built by an architect in the early 1990s

the two-story dwelling is defined by its robust concrete-block shell

the residence is renovated to host a new couple

Analogue chooses to work with the marks of age

the intervention allows one to understand what has been added and how it connects to the original

reading the structural logic of the residence as a guide for renewal

new floor edges, fittings, and adjustable louvers were introduced

maintaining the clarity of the existing structure

each intervention was designed to be visible

a folded-plate roof with a gentle pitch tops the residence

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sunlight enters the bedroom through large openings

framing views of the neighborhood’s tiled rooftops and the surrounding mountains

different atmospheres coexist within a single volume

the ground floor of House M opens along a north–south axis

project info:

name: House M

architect: Analogue | @analogue_archi

location: Gifu prefecture, Japan

floor area: 125 square meters

contractor: Hotta construction
structural adviser: Zeroichi Structural Engineers

photographer: Semi photograph | @semi.photograph