Houzz Tour: A Modern Masterpiece by the Sea in Japan
Architects had the challenge of updating a home created by two icons of Japanese architecture and construction
This property, built in sukiya style, one of the traditional Japanese styles of residential architecture, was designed by two giants of Japanese architecture: iconic metabolist architect Kishō Kurokawa, with sukiya carpentry master Sotoji Nakamura overseeing its construction. The current homeowner, who had always dreamed of living by the sea, was introduced to the property by an acquaintance. Read on to find out how the renovation project upgraded this hidden architectural masterpiece for modern living.
The homeowner consulted Hannat Architects — who had been commissioned to design another new building nearby — about repairing this property built by the two masters. They also decided to upgrade the area surrounding the bathroom, which was not very practical.
Kishō Kurokawa was a well-known modern architecture pioneer. His most important works include the Nakagin Capsule Tower and The National Art Center, Tokyo. A leader of the 1960s Japanese metabolist movement, his designs for traditional sukiya-style homes are less well known.
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Kishō Kurokawa was a well-known modern architecture pioneer. His most important works include the Nakagin Capsule Tower and The National Art Center, Tokyo. A leader of the 1960s Japanese metabolist movement, his designs for traditional sukiya-style homes are less well known.
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Sotoji Nakamura, who managed the original construction of the property, was a leading sukiya-style carpentry expert commended as a contemporary master craftsman by the Japanese government. He worked on traditional Japanese architecture and tea rooms that are renowned within and outside Japan.
These two masters’ architectural style has an extravagant appearance that fully incorporates views of the sea. “When you look more closely, you see materials perfected down to last detail. For instance, the flooring uses single boards from end to end,” says Yosuke Hoshina of Hannat Architects.
These two masters’ architectural style has an extravagant appearance that fully incorporates views of the sea. “When you look more closely, you see materials perfected down to last detail. For instance, the flooring uses single boards from end to end,” says Yosuke Hoshina of Hannat Architects.
In the bathroom, the designers reduced the size of the large bathtub and washing area, which was too wide, and added a sauna.
The homeowner, a discerning traveler, also owns a primary home and another vacation property. Hoshina says that “striking a balance between durability resistant to degradation from salt damage and design suited to the client’s standards was the No. 1 priority.”
The homeowner, a discerning traveler, also owns a primary home and another vacation property. Hoshina says that “striking a balance between durability resistant to degradation from salt damage and design suited to the client’s standards was the No. 1 priority.”
Before: Prior to the renovation, the Japanese sago palm plant in front of the bath grew thick and completely blocked the sea view.
After: The new deck makes it easier to admire the ocean. “We designed the garden with the views from the bath in mind. The villa is used a few times a month, and it’s hard to keep everything in good condition, so we removed the rampant weeds to prevent any hassle,” says Risa Tsutsumi of Hannat Architects.
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Before: The bathroom’s vanity area before the renovation.
After: Tamo ash was used for the vertical slats in the bathroom to match the existing wood in the ceiling. It’s complemented with a delicate Japanese-style ceiling.
“The round mirror in the bathroom symbolizes the sun and moon that rises from the sea,” Hoshina says.
Browse bathroom vanities in the Houzz Shop
“The round mirror in the bathroom symbolizes the sun and moon that rises from the sea,” Hoshina says.
Browse bathroom vanities in the Houzz Shop
The steel frame undercoat is finished with a melted zinc plating to prevent salt damage on the overhanging section. The deck in the garden has a wooden foundation. The deck, foundation and louver were all heat-treated and made with the most durable materials. They’re uncoated to allow them to develop a patina over time and blend in with the existing wood.
The deck in the garden is ideal for spending time watching the moon, and it’s positioned to make it easy to chat with people in the hall above.
Natural rocks on the coast in front of the property complete the garden deck foundations and stonework. This improvisational approach made it possible to adapt to sudden changes in the construction plan.
The retaining wall steps adopt the former garden’s shape and were assembled with minimal changes. Weather-resistant steel plates in the retaining wall offer protection and prevent rust. They pair well with the heat-treated wood that deepens in color over time and include materials that the owners can look forward to seeing gradually change in hue.
The retaining wall steps adopt the former garden’s shape and were assembled with minimal changes. Weather-resistant steel plates in the retaining wall offer protection and prevent rust. They pair well with the heat-treated wood that deepens in color over time and include materials that the owners can look forward to seeing gradually change in hue.
Discreet lighting has been installed without lamps to guarantee safety at night.
The external handrail is made of an L-shaped steel frame. An electrical outlet is available in the garden deck for serving hot pot meals in the winter months.
The external handrail is made of an L-shaped steel frame. An electrical outlet is available in the garden deck for serving hot pot meals in the winter months.
The deck furniture was jointly designed with Atelier Setsuna, a Yamagata-based furniture designer. “The [20-inch] opening, originally used for plumbing, has been cleared of all plumbing during renovation. It can now store all the furniture,” Hoshina says.
The home now highlights the two rocks floating in the sea ahead, expanding into a dreamy landscape. Along with the beautiful lighting, the moon and morning sun suspended between the rocks shine a light on this architectural masterpiece with a new lease of life. The design to revamp the property for the modern day is a master class in how to preserve masterpiece houses for the future.
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The home now highlights the two rocks floating in the sea ahead, expanding into a dreamy landscape. Along with the beautiful lighting, the moon and morning sun suspended between the rocks shine a light on this architectural masterpiece with a new lease of life. The design to revamp the property for the modern day is a master class in how to preserve masterpiece houses for the future.
More on Houzz
Read about other homes around the world
Find a home professional
Shop for home products
House at a Glance
Location: A seaside resort in Japan
Size: 850 square feet (79 square meters)
Total area: 1,625 square meters (151 square meters)
Designers: Yosuke Hoshina and Risa Tsutsumi of Hannat Architects (architecture), Atelier Setsuna (furniture design) and Lume lighting design studio (lighting design)
Construction: Kawata Construction