Homes for Antique Enthusiasts｜Custom-built homes by architecture firms5Picks｜A Home That Lives with Timeworn Treasures

For those who cherish the patina of furniture, ceramics and fittings that have aged over time, residential design poses the question not merely of “how to display” but of “how to coexist.” In mass-produced housing, ceiling heights, the proportions of openings, and the tactile qualities of floors and walls often fail to harmonize with the character of antique pieces. Architectural practices carefully calibrate the overall tonal composition of a space while taking into account the dimensions and color palettes of the client’s treasured collections and furnishings. They may incorporate reclaimed timber in structural elements or finishes, or propose spatial organizations that deliberately encourage a dialogue between materials from different eras. We present examples of dwellings in which the memory of time naturally breathes within new architecture.

A residence located in a residential neighborhood in Ikuno Ward, Osaka. Street-facing openings are minimized, with a plan that admits daylight and breezes from above the central staircase. East–west skip floors introduce level changes whose gaps allow air and light to circulate. In winter, warm air beneath the floor is circulated via the staircase to moderate the interior environment. The garage and the earthen entry (doma) are configured as an integrated space that screens views from the exterior, creating a calm dwelling that harmonizes with existing reclaimed-wood furniture.

At the client’s request, the design is conceived to balance vernacular (minka) elements using reclaimed timber with a contemporary exposed cast-in-place reinforced concrete (RC) exterior. The entrance is articulated in modern exposed concrete; opening a large reclaimed timber kura door reveals a double-height earthen-floored atrium finished with tamped Arakida clay. Reclaimed beams procured in Nagano, cedar plank flooring, and doors finished with a plant-derived natural oil are employed as the primary finishes.

This renovation, undertaken to accommodate continuity for a three‑generation family, retains traditional details such as transoms, nageshi (wall rails) and nuki pockets (through‑tenon/tie‑beam openings). While preserving the upper‑level layout of the former house, the plan below has been reconfigured into a freer arrangement. New and existing timbers are joined with brass; the former guest room has been transformed into a large LDK (living/dining/kitchen) hall. Modular elements and operable shōji screens create a variable space that can separate hare (formal/ceremonial) and ke (everyday/domestic) functions.

This project is a renovation of an approximately 40-year-old sukiya-style residence located in northern Nara City. The retrofit included seismic strengthening and upgraded thermal insulation; the attic space was utilized to create a bright, open living room. The traditional tatami room was reconfigured as a tea room, and ample, purpose-specific storage was provided. While preserving the existing design language, the intervention establishes an environment for the enjoyment of fine art, antiques, and the garden, revitalizing the dwelling to ensure comfortable living into the future.