Kyoto Sukiya House
We were commissioned to design and supervise the renovation of a traditional Sukiya-style residence in Narutaki, Kyoto.
Located slightly away from the center of Kyoto, the site rests in a tranquil area where abundant nature and deep historical culture continue to thrive. The property lies on a sloping terrain nestled against a wooded hillside. From the detached annex, one can overlook the scenic landscape of western Kyoto (Rakusei), while
the garden is adorned with seasonal plants that bring changing colors throughout the year. It is a serene environment blessed with the quiet richness of living in harmony with nature.
This project sought to harmonize architecture with its natural surroundings while carrying forward the timeless beauty of traditional Sukiya design into contemporary life. By incorporating elements such as the garden, the mountain backdrop, and the gentle flow of water into everyday living, we have revitalized the residence into a home that is both tranquil and deeply enriching.
In this renovation, we introduced a newly designed waterfall between the main house (wooden structure) and the detached annex (steel structure on the first floor, wooden structure on the second floor), making use of the natural slope of the site.
This allows the flow of water to be enjoyed from the living room of the main house, bringing the presence of nature into everyday life.
Main House
The original tatami rooms, which had been subdivided into small compartments, were reconfigured into three distinct spaces:an earthen-floored passage (doma) leading toward the detached annex,a spacious reception room for guests, and an LDK that allo ws for a relaxed enjoyment of the garden.
The arthen-floored passage is fitted with fusuma sliding doors created by Noda Hanga Studio, forming a welcoming threshold that also serves as an approach to the annex. For the walls and ceilings, we employed traditional Juraku plaster, lending the space a sense of warmth and refined Japanese character.
About the Annex
The annex functions as a private villa, comprising a lounge that opens toward the main house and three guest rooms. To highlight the reclaimed timber beams and the beauty of the cherry wood, the walls and ceiling are finished in a simple white palette, creating a quiet backdrop. This creates a space where one can fully enjoy the views unfolding before the building.
