■A renovation project with two boxes inserted for circulation for light and wind.
Located in the suburb of Osaka city,
this newly renovated residence was part of a mass-produced and ready-made style of house,
built during a time of high economic growth.
First steps included exposing the whole structure by stripping down the finishing structure.
This was followed by inserting two boxes made of linden and lauan
in order to create circulation for light and wind.
Thus, a more open and livable space of a modern generation was achieved.
This replaced the older and closed ambience of before.
The two boxes made from the new material emphasize a contrast between the older material,
simultaneously creating a wider view.
This renovated house meets the up-to-date regulations of structural design
and also contains the latest insulation quality.
All this was done with minimum cost while preserving the existing structure as much as possible,
only adding enhancements that where absolutely necessary.
This work is an example of preserving valuable buildings in the Japanese market
where the majority of development usually consist of breaking down old buildings to produce new residences.
However, considering the energy-saving focus due to the Tohoku earthquake,
renovating existing buildings is becoming a better option whilst enabling personal tailer-made residence at minimal investment.
Project name: ReM
Location: Hirakata, Osaka, Japan
architect: coil kazuteru matumura architects
Site area: 120.75 sqm
Built area: 41.72 sqm
Total floor area: 86.27 sqm
Photography: Yoshiro Masuda