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.

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.

stone steps leading to entrance image © 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.

wooden stairs descending to lower level terrace images © akiyoshi fukuzawa

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

image © akiyoshi fukuzawa