Itabashi House Renovation by ROOVICE

Revitalizing a 1976 Itabashi Home

Nestled in the quiet streets of Itabashi, Tokyo, the Itabashi House originally built in 1976, underwent a sensitive and innovative transformation by ROOVICE. As part of their Kariage Project, the architects specialize in renovating and reusing akiya (vacant houses) at no cost to owners, converting underutilized spaces into modern, functional rental homes.

The original house featured a fragmented layout with dim interiors, no longer compatible with contemporary lifestyles. ROOVICE approached the renovation with a focus on spatial clarity, natural light, and preserving the warmth of traditional Japanese architecture.

Open and Flexible Ground Floor

A major challenge existed on the ground floor, where the original kitchen sat awkwardly between two tatami rooms, dividing the home into disconnected zones. By relocating the kitchen into the former rear tatami room, ROOVICE opened the central and front areas, creating a flexible flow between living and dining spaces.

The new kitchen design incorporates a slim stainless-steel countertop with an integrated sink, maintaining a minimalist aesthetic while highlighting exposed timber posts and beams to retain the original wooden character. The oshiire (built-in storage) was cleverly integrated, combining functionality with traditional elements.

Harmonious Blend of Traditional and Modern

A glass partition above the kitchen visually links the ground floor to the first floor, enhancing light transmission and continuity between spaces. Original shoji screens were preserved, allowing soft natural light to permeate the interior, maintaining a subtle connection to Japanese heritage while brightening the newly arranged layout.

The old kitchen space was converted into a modern bathroom, blending preserved black tiles with soft grey mortar plaster, creating a refined yet warm atmosphere.

Thoughtful First-Floor Interventions

On the first floor, glass panels in the transoms facilitate light sharing between rooms, expanding the sense of space while maintaining privacy. Strategically placed mirrors reflect light and subtly enlarge the rooms without disrupting traditional proportions. Carefully integrated lighting highlights timber and glass, enhancing the home's warmth and character.

A Respectful Exterior

From the street, the house maintains its modest presence, concealing the careful interior reinvention. ROOVICE’s design balances heritage preservation with contemporary living flexibility, transforming a once fragmented home into a luminous, functional, and aesthetically refined residence.

All Photographs are works of Akira Nakamura