2015／Wakayama city／Wakayama／JAPAN
The 70-years old house was inherited from Owner’s aunt, who bought the original structure to teach Tea Ceremony, where new living quarter was added later to complete this wooden single-story home. The property had been left as storage for years and was too damaged. A decision had to be made with the site assessment; to demolish, or to restore. Owner chose to keep the old characters, despite the cost, time and care. Inspired by his decision, the renovation project began not to simply keep the old but rather to create a space where the old section merges into the new section in a harmonious way. The renovated house named “Koumori-An” offers the concept of “Value in Keeping” which no newly built house can imitate.
Photography by Sohei Terui