Introducing Nested-Structure Renovation of a Traditional Kominka: House of Interstices, a custom-built home example by Yoshihiro Yamamoto Architects Associates, a Architect / Design office in 302, Zeniya Honpo Main Building, 14-6 Ishigatsujichō, Tennōji-ku, Osaka
Exterior at dusk. The aluminum fence and carport were removed to create an open exterior composition.
Front elevation. Aluminum sashes and the carport were removed and all openings were replaced with timber joinery.
The projecting volume that had functioned as a reception room was converted into the entrance.
The inner core was given a new cast concrete foundation and tied to the sills to ensure seismic performance.
View from the stairs back toward the entry. Flooring is oak solid-plank used unfinished.
Custom-made kitchen with a mortar-finished counter.
Front of the kitchen. The backsplash tiles are the client’s preferred blue.
With the joinery fully open, interior and exterior become integrated.
View of the garden from the dining area. Reclaimed joinery can be stored within a wall cavity.
The eastern interstice houses the staircase and library. The door is the original one from the former reception room.
The garden and engawa (verandah) were revived by reducing the footprint of the old bath and toilet. On the east side the block wall was removed and replaced by a hedge.
The doma garage, accessible directly from the entry with shoes on, serves as a multipurpose hobby space for bicycle maintenance and similar activities.
View south from the library. A ladder at center leads up to the loft.
Master bedroom. The roof was thermally upgraded and the ceiling reshaped to a boat-hull profile.
Children’s room. Seismic reinforcement provided by steel bracing.
Loft taking advantage of the space above the walk-in closet. The loft forms a continuous spatial sequence with the master and children’s bedrooms.
Adjacent to the entrance is a consolidated 'green pot' housing the mailbox, gas meter and intercom.
Evening view from the garden. An interior where old and new elements resonate.