renovated wooden house boasts bright red facade in central tokyo

note architects revitalize 50-year-old Housekeeper’s House

Housekeeper’s House by note architects is a renovation project for a 50-year-old wooden house situated in a residential area in central Tokyo. The aging structure, uninhabited for an extended period, presented deterioration in finishing materials. Reflecting the era’s emphasis on individuality, private rooms were compartmentalized, resulting in dimly lit and poorly ventilated spaces, hindering family interaction. Constructed during Japan’s era of high economic growth, the house boasted elaborate designs and a vintage ambiance. The project focused on adapting traditional Japanese design elements to modern lifestyles while preserving the original character.

Traditional Japanese methods were seamlessly integrated into modern contexts, spanning lighting fixtures to spatial composition. Walls and ceilings in common areas were removed to optimize space, resulting in a bright, open layout unifying the entire house. Notably, the dark staircase and entrance wall were eliminated, transforming the once gloomy kitchen into a luminous, public space connected to the outdoors—a nod to the Japanese Doma or earth floor, often found in traditional homes.

all images courtesy of note architects

Traditional Japanese design fuses with modern aesthetics

Upon removing the ceiling on the second floor, the design team at note architects unveiled an impactful roof frame, deemed a unique design element inherent to the building. The exposed roof frame, visible without a ceiling covering, adds to the distinctive aesthetic. The transom of Japanese houses, historically designed for ventilation and lighting, is represented in the upper part of the fusuma (sliding door), emphasizing an intentional integration of traditional elements.

Tatami mats, unsuitable for modern lifestyles, were replaced with Rawan plywood, and damaged areas were minimally repaired. Repair work deliberately maintained the original shape using Rawan plywood and Japanese paper, preserving existing features. Historical traces, such as lighting fixtures and intercom receivers, were intentionally retained. Private rooms feature sliding doors, offering flexibility to connect or separate spaces as needed.

traditional Japanese methods found a place in modern contexts, influencing the spatial composition