minimal hotel renovation breathes new life into old wooden townhouse in kyoto

OHArchitecture revives Old Townhouse into Hotel in Yunoki-cho

OHArchitecture design firm takes over the renovation project of an 80-year-old townhouse and its transformation into a hotel located in the Awata/Okazaki area of Kyoto. Standing close to Heian Jingu Shrine, Nanzenji Temple, Chion-in Temple, and other storied landmarks, the new design breathes new life into its historical surroundings. The traditional Kyo-machiya is framed by a wooden structure and opens up to a street garden. In the center of the courtyard, an okudosan traditional cooking stove is used as a kitchen designed with a lofty ceiling allowing steam and smoke to dissipate.

all images courtesy of OHArchitecture

the hotel design melds together tradition and innovation

Traditionally, machiya spaces tend to be dark, an inherent characteristic that has been artfully transformed by introducing a generous skylight in the street garden that allows natural light into the interiors, evoking a sense of openness. Every room has been thoughtfully arranged to face the street garden ensuring light distribution and ventilation throughout. The design team seamlessly weaves the construction into the city fabric of Kyoto and melds the old features of the house with the new, tradition and innovation, forming a contemporary look and a warm ambiance.

communal living spaces are arranged in an open plan interior

the project restores the exposed wooden structural frame

gray tones along with wooden textures create a minimal and rustic feel

old features of the house blend with the new, forming a contemporary look and a warm ambiance

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project info:

name: Hotel in Yunoki-cho
designer: OHArchitecture

location: Yunokicho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Japan

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom