A 70㎡ certified Kyo-machiya southeast of Nijo Castle, restored as a refined private pied-à-terre in central Kyoto.
Project Type
Ground-up Renovation
Completion
December 2024
A certified machiya, rebuilt with quiet confidence.
Set southeast of Nijo Castle in central Kyoto, this 70㎡ certified Kyo-machiya was restored as a private pied-à-terre for a client with a deep appreciation for architecture, hospitality, and detail. The project was designed in-house by architect Yuta Soyano and rebuilt from the ground up by the Heritage Homes team of master carpenters.
The result is a compact but highly considered Kyoto residence, shaped for private use by the owner, his family, and close guests. Dark timber, textured walls, latticework, tatami, a glass floor detail, and a quiet inner garden give the home a dramatic machiya atmosphere, while the updated kitchen, bath, washroom, lighting, and climate systems bring the comfort expected of a top-end modern residence.
⸺ Sourcing
We locate heritage properties across Kyoto and rural Japan — machiya, kominka, and former temples whose architectural integrity makes them worth preserving. Each candidate is evaluated for structural soundness, historical character, and restoration potential.
⸺ Design
Our in-house architects assess the structure and develop a sensitive restoration plan. We map what to preserve, what to repair, and where modern systems can be integrated without disturbing the home's character.
⸺ Structural Restoration
Original timber frames, beams, and lattice work are stabilized and refinished by hand. We reinforce where needed using traditional joinery and contemporary techniques — always invisible, always reversible where possible.
⸺ Modern Systems
Plumbing, electrical, insulation, and climate control are introduced behind the scenes. Kitchens, bathrooms, and storage are reimagined for contemporary life, specified in materials that match the home's vocabulary.
⸺ Interior Detailing
Hand-applied plaster, custom joinery, hinoki ofuro, integrated lighting — every visible surface is considered. We source from the same workshops that have supplied Kyoto's machiya for generations.
⸺ Handover
The completed home is documented, photographed, and prepared for its next chapter. We support new owners through purchase, registration, and the early months of living in their restored property.