A compact end-of-alley machiya in central Gojo, renewed as a bright two-bedroom home with two intimate outdoor spaces.
Project Type
Ground-up Renovation
Completion
January 2024
Light at the end of the alley.
Set at the end of a quiet alley in the heart of Gojo, this compact machiya was reworked to make the most of its limited footprint. Two bedrooms and two small outdoor spaces bring flexibility to the home, while carefully positioned openings draw natural light deep into the interior and create a stronger connection between inside and out.
Designed in-house by Yuta Soyano and restored from the ground up by Heritage Homes Japan, the renovation pairs light timber and restrained contemporary finishes with surviving elements of the original structure. Exposed beams and posts provide traces of the building’s past, while modern amenities and a simplified layout give the house a fresh, comfortable character.
⸺ Sourcing
We locate heritage properties across Kyoto and rural Japan — machiya, kominka, and former temples whose architectural integrity makes them worth preserving. Each candidate is evaluated for structural soundness, historical character, and restoration potential.
⸺ Design
Our in-house architects assess the structure and develop a sensitive restoration plan. We map what to preserve, what to repair, and where modern systems can be integrated without disturbing the home's character.
⸺ Structural Restoration
Original timber frames, beams, and lattice work are stabilized and refinished by hand. We reinforce where needed using traditional joinery and contemporary techniques — always invisible, always reversible where possible.
⸺ Modern Systems
Plumbing, electrical, insulation, and climate control are introduced behind the scenes. Kitchens, bathrooms, and storage are reimagined for contemporary life, specified in materials that match the home's vocabulary.
⸺ Interior Detailing
Hand-applied plaster, custom joinery, hinoki ofuro, integrated lighting — every visible surface is considered. We source from the same workshops that have supplied Kyoto's machiya for generations.
⸺ Handover
The completed home is documented, photographed, and prepared for its next chapter. We support new owners through purchase, registration, and the early months of living in their restored property.