House in Kawajiri by Daisaku Hanamoto Architect & Associates

A Flexible Renovation in Hiroshima Embracing Light, Airflow, and Adaptive Use

Located in the quiet town of Kawajiri in Hiroshima, Japan, the House in Kawajiri by Daisaku Hanamoto Architect & Associates is a thoughtful renovation project that transforms an aging residential structure into a flexible, multi-functional space. Envisioned as a villa, a permanent residence, a café, or even a rental facility, this 141-square-meter project delicately merges the essence of traditional Japanese living with a contemporary spatial philosophy centered on openness, minimalism, and adaptive reuse.

Site Challenges and Original Conditions

The property initially featured a reinforced concrete (RC) building facing the street, which restricted natural light and ventilation from reaching the main residential volume behind it. Access was provided through a narrow alley-like passage, further compromising the spatial experience and overall environmental quality. The client's desire for spatial flexibility and openness inspired a radical transformation that reimagined how the site could breathe and function.

Spatial Reorganization Through Subtraction

Rather than layering on new volumes, the architects proposed a strategy of subtraction. They dismantled the obstructive RC structure and parts of the main building to open up the site and create an engawa-like earthen floor space that spans the width of the property. This reorganization reintroduces light, air, and connectivity, allowing the house to engage both the interior and the surrounding exterior with a newfound harmony.

Multi-Use Design for Contemporary Living

The house is now capable of supporting a wide array of programs—from weekend retreat to rental space or neighborhood café—thanks to its open-plan layout and minimalist aesthetic. Unnecessary walls from previous renovations were removed to simplify circulation and improve spatial flow. Part of the ceiling was also opened up to add a vertical dimension, connecting the upper and lower levels and creating visual depth and better airflow.

Courtyard, Pocket Spaces, and Buffers

With the removal of built mass, a pocket space emerged in front of the main house. This courtyard-like zone functions not only as a buffer between the street and the residence but also as an event or parking space, offering a quiet, multifunctional exterior area that supports both solitude and community interaction. This is a deliberate reinterpretation of the genkan or traditional entry threshold, but adapted for modern flexible living.

Layered Light and Material History

Inside, a newly carved atrium allows daylight to softly filter through the former attic window, casting shifting patterns across the timber beams and textured interior walls. The exposed structural framework and aged materials were intentionally preserved, adding a tactile memory of the home’s history and craftsmanship. These features create an environment that is both contemporary and rooted, elevating the experience of daily life through architectural storytelling.

Continuity Between Old and New

Rather than drawing stark lines between the original and renovated elements, Hanamoto’s design approach aims for holistic integration. Every element—whether preserved or newly built—is treated as part of a unified spatial narrative. The result is a house where time, memory, and modern lifestyle intersect fluidly. Residents and visitors alike are invited to move freely, dwell flexibly, and experience the evolving atmosphere of the space.

All Photographs are works of Kenji Masunaga