
CASE-REAL renovates and extends a traditional japanese dwelling in kyoto
the structure's spatial characteristics have been maintained, guaranteeing a traditional, yet comfortable living environment.
CASE-REAL renovates and extends a traditional japanese dwelling in kyoto
all images by takumi ota
in gosho-higashi, an urban quarter in the center of kyoto, architecture firm CASE-REAL has renovated and extended a building in a residential neighborhood. the project was completed for a couple: a creative director involved in many food related projects, and a gallerist who has a strong interest in traditional japanese craftsmanship. consequently, the design team sought to create a sequence of spaces that combined these passions — a place where a range of different functions influenced one another.

the scheme is located in a small japanese town in the vicinity of kyoto
existing elements of the building have been repaired or partially renovated, with the exception of a completely new tearoom and a guest facility that is contained within an elevated white volume. this technique ensures that the structure’s spatial characteristics are maintained, guaranteeing a traditional, yet comfortable living environment. the tearoom features an elongated table capable of hosting six guests, and borders an adjacent gallery that exhibits a selection of pottery. a work room and storage area has also undergone renovation, oriented to face the garden at the rear of the plot.

access is provided from the adjacent street

existing elements of the building have been repaired or partially renovated

the project involves the addition of guest facilities

a lounge offers views of the garden

a new palette of materials and colors has been introduced

the bedroom at the upper storey

the tearoom features an elongated table capable of hosting six guests

an office and meeting room

the structure’s spatial characteristics have been maintained

locally sourced timber has been used throughout the project

the home is oriented to face a garden at the rear of the plot
project info:
client: foodelco + nichinichi
type of project: interior
use: gallery, tea room, office, guest room
project dates: apr 2015 – nov 2015
location: kyoto, japan
design: koichi futatusmata, yasushi arikawa
construction: nakatani building firm
lighting design: shoji hiroyasu
plants design and construction: keisuke kanto
manufacture of furniture: koichi touji, yuji yamamoto
manufacture of fixtures: bernhard lutzenberger, konbu ironmonger
photography: takumi ota
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