ANJIN Gosho Ebisugawa, This project involves the conversion of a traditional townhouse near the Kyoto Imperial Palace into a whole-house rental accommodation. The building is a small wooden house with a wide façade and a courtyard called “Tsuboniwa” at the rear. Passing through the noren curtain, the path meanders deeper and deeper toward the courtyard, revealing new sequences at every turn. The design seeks to express the unique linear depth, subdued atmosphere, and the sense of “refinement” that originates from the concept of “depth” inherent in Kyoto machiya, within the limited spatial depth of the building.
© Kenta Hasegawa
Due to the recent strengthening of barrier-free regulations, a ramp was required to be installed up to the entrance, creating a distinctive entrance space that involves a U-turn due to this restriction. As one passes through the narrow, dimly lit doma (earthen floor), a mysterious and quiet atmosphere emerges.
© Kenta Hasegawa
The subtle glow of seamless LED lighting leads from the entrance to the living room, where the space suddenly opens up. The light continues further back, and upon sliding open the large shoji screen, it crosses a stone-tiled, spacious bath before coming to a stop against the wall. Natural light filters through the courtyard from a nearby window, allowing the changing seasons to be felt through the maple leaves.
© Kenta Hasegawa
With deep respect and admiration for Kyoto machiya and its architectural heritage, we have created a new lodging that blends traditional culture with contemporary design. We hope that this newly created space will serve as a bridge, quietly connecting the timeless spirit of old Kyoto with the future.
Project Info
Architects: STUDIO ALUC
Country: Japan, Kyoto
Area: 125 m²
Year: 2024
Photographs: Kenta Hasegawa
Client: Nazuna Co.,Ltd.
Isabelle Laurent is a Built Projects Editor at Arch2O, recognized for her editorial insight and passion for contemporary architecture. She holds a Master’s in Architectural Theory from École Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture de Paris-Belleville. Before joining Arch2O in 2016, she worked in a Paris-based architectural office and taught as a faculty adjunct at the École Spéciale d’Architecture in Paris. Isabelle focuses on curating projects around sustainability, adaptive reuse, and urban resilience. With a background in design and communication, she brings clarity to complex ideas and plays a key role in shaping Arch2O’s editorial