House Renovation in Suita by FujiwaraMuro Architects

Revitalizing a Childhood Home

This full-scale house renovation in Suita, Japan, by FujiwaraMuro Architects breathes new life into a traditional ready-built home while maintaining a strong connection to its surroundings. The client sought to transform their childhood home, emphasizing a warm, earthy atmosphere that blends seamlessly with the existing urban fabric.

The design approach focused on preserving privacy while considering the proximity of neighboring houses. The renovation aimed to balance modern aesthetics with the nostalgic essence of the original structure.

Earthy Textures and Unified Interiors

A key challenge was translating the client's vision of organic textures into a cohesive design. The architects concentrated on the second-floor living, dining, and kitchen (LDK) space, creating a unified aesthetic that extends both inside and outside the home.

To achieve this, they applied a consistent material palette, using PVC flooring and Porter’s paint on walls, ensuring a seamless visual flow. The design intentionally integrates warm, natural tones to evoke a sense of tranquility while maintaining durability.

Spatial Reconfiguration with Minimal Structural Changes

Without altering the fundamental layout, the architects carefully reorganized the home's three levels:

• First Floor: Contains a bathroom and storage spaces.
• Second Floor: Houses the main living area, designed with a monolithic texture that unites the kitchen, dining, and lounge.
• Third Floor: Features private rooms, renovated with a minimalist approach to maintain simplicity and comfort.

Blurring Indoor and Outdoor Boundaries

A significant transformation involved modifying the exterior walls and balconies. By demolishing the existing structures and introducing new elements, the second floor now exudes a distinct identity, seamlessly integrating with the home’s modernized interior.

While the first and third floors were kept intentionally simple, the second floor stands as the heart of the renovation, offering a harmonious blend of textures, materials, and spatial flow.

A Thoughtful Approach to Urban House Renovation

The Suita House Renovation by FujiwaraMuro Architects exemplifies a sensitive yet innovative approach to transforming a pre-existing urban residence. By embracing earthy materials, spatial fluidity, and a cohesive design language, the project successfully modernizes a traditional home while preserving its emotional and architectural integrity.

All Photographs are works of Katsuya Taira