Gallery Katachi: A Thoughtful Renovation of a 130-Year-Old Traditional House in Kiryu, Japan

Gallery Katachi, designed by Negishi Kenchiku Studio, is a masterful renovation that transforms a 130-year-old traditional house into a modern exhibition space while preserving its historical charm. Located in Kiryu City’s Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, the project highlights the delicate balance between heritage conservation and contemporary functionality. Completed in 2022, this 58 m² gallery serves as both a store and an art exhibition space, offering visitors a unique experience of Japanese folk architecture and contemporary design.

Preserving History, Unlocking Potential

The renovation of Gallery Katachi presented a unique challenge: the building’s exterior could not be altered due to strict preservation ordinances, requiring the architects to focus exclusively on the interior. By embracing the potential of old folk houses, Negishi Kenchiku Studio exposed the building’s original timber structure, creating a flexible and open space suitable for diverse exhibitions. The robust roof beams and aged wooden elements not only provide structural integrity but also imbue the gallery with the authentic character of traditional Japanese architecture.

A Flexible Exhibition Space

The interior transformation was achieved by removing old fittings, demolishing the warped ceiling, and replacing the worn tatami floor with a concrete dirt floor. This minimalist intervention allowed the interior to flow seamlessly, connecting the gallery to the adjacent alley. An engawa, or inward-facing wooden verandah, was integrated into the existing flooring, encircling the earthen floor and creating a versatile platform for visitors to gather, relax, and interact with the artwork.

The resulting space evokes the intimacy of a small urban square or the openness of a large gazebo, offering both flexibility for exhibitions and a welcoming environment for visitors. Each project redefines the gallery’s interior, giving artists the freedom to curate exhibitions that interact meaningfully with the architecture.

Experiencing Art in Harmony with Space

Gallery Katachi emphasizes the synergy between art and environment. Visitors can enjoy artworks while seated on the engawa, sipping tea, and observing the interplay of light, timber, and spatial rhythm. This thoughtful design encourages closer interaction between people and art, fulfilling the owner’s vision of creating a space where community, culture, and creativity converge.

Architectural Highlights

• Renovation of a 130-year-old traditional Japanese house
• Preservation of the original exterior within a heritage district
• Exposed timber structure emphasizing historical character
• Flexible interior for diverse art exhibitions
• Engawa connecting indoor and outdoor spaces
• Seamless concrete dirt floor integrating with the alley approach

All photographs are works of Shinsuke Hayakawa