Home in Kito // Kosuke Bando Architects

Text description provided by the architects.

Normally, when renovating an old Japanese house, the existing roof structure is left untouched, and the position of the columns and walls underneath it are moved.
Therefore, the interior space, such as the relationship between existing and new materials, is often the theme of design.
However, in this project, the existing roof structure was removed and a completely new roof structure was installed.

© Kosuke Bando Architects

© Kosuke Bando Architects

As a result it was also possible to create a new landscape as a landmark to the village by the new roof, which is not usually realized by renovating old Japanese houses.
Even in the interior space, not only was it possible to realize a beautiful attic space surrounded by the light entering from the slits all around the circumference, but also a new relationship was established between the existing space and the new space, due to the new atrium hall and new large roof wrapping whole.

© Kosuke Bando Architects

© Kosuke Bando Architects

In addition, the diagonal beams to realize this roof structure are constructed by solid cedar wood with a maximum length of 13 m, and from the viewpoint of transportation, it is indispensable to process with locally produced timber, which also contributes to local production for local consumption.
And it is important that this form of the roof was conceived not only from the perspective to the future such as new landscapes, beautiful interior spaces and new lifestyles, but also from the perspective to the past to take back the proportions and dignity that the original building had.

© Kosuke Bando Architects

© Kosuke Bando Architects

From the above, we think that this project can be innovative and will be new typology in the renovation of old Japanese houses..

© Kosuke Bando Architects

© Kosuke Bando Architects

House in Kito Gallery