Re:Teramoto House Refurbishment by Coil Kazuteru Matumura Architects

Architects: Coil Kazuteru Matumura Architects

Located just 10 kilometers from Osaka, Itami in Hyogo Prefecture is a city steeped in history. Nestled between the Ina and Muko Rivers, archaeological finds like stone tools and pottery fragments reveal its rich cultural past. In this context, Re:Teramoto House represents a sensitive architectural intervention that bridges historical domestic traditions with contemporary living standards.

The project reimagines a traditional 19th, early 20th-century Japanese home. Historically, the doma, or entrance foyer, functioned as a ground-level hub, integrating a wood-burning cooker and sink, and serving as a social nucleus for the family while connecting the interior with the neighborhood. Coil Kazuteru Matumura Architects drew inspiration from this concept, designing a modern entrance foyer that reconnects the home’s interior spaces while maintaining a subtle dialogue with its past.

Renovation Concept and Spatial Design

Positioned along a main road in a residential district, the home demanded a renovation that emphasized light, connectivity, and spatial flow. The centerpiece is a double-height entrance foyer that establishes a sense of openness while guiding movement through the house.

The renovation began with dismantling the interior to expose the underlying structure. Structural plywood was applied to walls and ceilings, both to reinforce the building seismically and to serve as an elegant final surface, blending utility with aesthetic refinement.

Natural light is a defining feature throughout the home. A large arched window floods the foyer with sunlight, complemented by a front-facing window with integrated seating. The main floor features four sliding partitions that allow the space to be opened up, creating a continuous, flexible living area reminiscent of traditional doma. Mosaic tile details embedded in the concrete floor enhance the sensory experience while highlighting craftsmanship.

Materials and Finishes

Every material choice balances tradition, functionality, and modern aesthetics:

• Feature wall: Gray tile in the foyer provides a bold yet refined backdrop for the staircase leading to the second floor.
• Bedroom: Tosa washi paper with white charcoal regulates humidity while offering a tactile, natural surface.
• Living room: Shina plywood complements shoji-style windows, creating a warm, minimalist atmosphere.
• Corridor: Slatted flooring generates a floating sensation, enhancing the connection between rooms.

The result is a home where each element, from the structural plywood to the tactile finishes, contributes to a cohesive modern Japanese interior that respects the heritage of domestic architecture.

Lifestyle and Experience

The Re:Teramoto House renovation transforms everyday living into a harmonious experience. The entrance foyer functions as a social nucleus, much like the traditional doma, but adapted for contemporary lifestyles. Spaces flow seamlessly, allowing residents to move freely while maintaining a connection with the outdoors.

Through careful attention to light, materials, and spatial continuity, Coil Kazuteru Matumura Architects created a home that is both modern and culturally resonant, preserving historical context while enhancing comfort and functionality.

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