Floor plans of the first and second floors after renovation. With a total floor area of 200 square meters, this guesthouse can comfortably accommodate eight adults.
There used to be a two-story reinforced concrete building along the roadside, but it was demolished to preserve the traditional townscape. The space has been turned into a guest parking area, and traditional roof tiles have been added to the gate structure.
A discreet sign is embedded in the gate, featuring a logotype designed by Michiaki Mochizuki.
In the lounge facing the garden, there are bookshelves stocked with books selected for guests.
The original street-side dirt floor (dōma) of the townhouse has been restored. This space is now used as a dining area.
The two connected rooms called ‘zashiki’ retain as much of their original elegant atmosphere as possible.
A spacious bathroom featuring a bathtub made of Japanese umbrella pine (Kōyamaki). The window glass can instantly turn frosted at the flip of a switch.
Second-floor twin bedroom featuring headboards upholstered with fabric by Minä Perhonen.
The beautiful arrangement of exposed beams and horizontal boards in the atrium is likened to an abstract painting, framed to be appreciated like artwork.
The exposed beams in the atrium create a composition so dynamic, it takes your breath away.
From the second-floor reading room, you can look down into the dirt-floor dining area. The kitchen is located on the left.
Night view of the exterior from the garden side. The master carpenter deserves credit for creating the perfectly horizontal eaves line.
On this project as well, I was deeply impressed by the exceptional craftsmanship of the Kyoto artisans, led by the chief carpenter.
