takeshi yamagata architects renovates a 60-year-old wooden house in tokyo

in the suginami-ku ward of tokyo, takeshi yamagata architects has completed the careful renovation and seismic reinforcement of an existing one story dwelling. by implementing a semi-outdoor terrace space in the center of the floor plan, the renewed house in takaido combines light and airy living spaces with the original timber features.

west side exterior with a newly installed ‘kazamado’ window screen on the street side

image by noboru inoue

dating back 60 years, the existing house boasts a site with no adjacent buildings, which is rare in the tokyo metropolitan area. when the architect approached the project, the compartmentalized interior suffered from poor airflow, which the renovation aims to remedy. however, the new scheme does also retain some features of the original house, including the carefully crafted furniture and charming white and green exterior. 

the ‘kazamado’ window screens on the south side can be opened

image by noboru inoue

the renovation has transformed the old reception room, which was previously used as a music lesson room, into a semi-public living room. this room now serves as a place where the owner can invite in work-related visitors. separating the living space from the rest of the house is a semi-outdoor terrace, which provides a light-filled buffer zone in between the public and private areas.

living room preserving the existing furniture, lighting, and fixtures

image by noboru inoue

after adapting the functions of the house, the second aim of the project was to create an airy living space that connects to the surrounding environment. to achieve this, takeshi yamagata architects inserted ‘kazamado’ window screens, which open up the previously closed-up building and also serve to complement the existing white and green color scheme of the house. overall, thanks to a thoughtful and careful renovation, the recent intervention ensures that the past and present forge a harmonious relationship. 

semi-outdoor terrace: exterior finish is removed, and ‘kazamado’ window screens are installed

image by noboru inoue

view of the neighboring property on the north side from the terrace 

image by noboru inoue

view from terrace to living space

image by noboru inoue

view from terrace to dining kitchen

image by noboru inoue

dining kitchen

image by koji fuji

bedroom and dining kitchen

image by noboru inoue

existing wall cabinet, lights, and wall furniture are preserved

image by noboru inoue

the entire house becomes semi-outdoor when the sliding doors to the terrace are open

image by noboru inoue

night view of the terrace

image by koji fuji

full view: the fence along the street has been removed, and new plants have been added

image by koji fuji

floor plan

sections

project info:

project name: house in takaido

program: private residence

location: tokyo , japan

architect: takeshi yamagata architects

completion date: may 2018

structural system: wood

storys: 1 story

site area: 1994.88 ft2 (185.33 m2)

total floor area: 971.55 ft2 (90.26 m2)

consultants: stylekoubou, komorebi design

constructor: stylekoubou

photography: noboru inoue, koji fuji