Tokyo House Renovation: Nukui House by ROOVICE Blends Heritage and Modern Living

Revitalizing Tokyo’s Aging Architecture Through Adaptive Reuse

Nukui House is a standout example of Tokyo house renovation, located in the tranquil residential area of Nukui in Tokyo’s Nerima Ward. Designed by ROOVICE, the project is part of the firm’s Kariage initiative, a bold urban regeneration strategy aimed at tackling Japan’s growing akiya (vacant house) crisis. Originally built in 1976, this wooden two-story home has been meticulously transformed, preserving its architectural essence while meeting modern living standards.

Context and the Kariage Initiative

The Kariage initiative plays a pivotal role in the revitalization of unused homes across Japan. It enables vacant properties to be repurposed without any financial burden to the owners, offering a socially and environmentally sustainable alternative to demolition. In the case of Nukui House, the new owners—neighbors who acquired the property for strategic access to the main road—had no immediate plans for redevelopment. Instead, they opted to breathe new life into the dwelling by collaborating with ROOVICE.

Thoughtful Renovation with Respect for Tradition

ROOVICE’s approach to this Tokyo house renovation was grounded in balance: retaining key original elements while improving the spatial experience. The original structure featured a 3DK layout on the first floor and a 2LDK layout above. The renovation reconfigured the house into a cohesive 3LDK residence with open circulation and a warm material palette.

First Floor Transformation: Opening Up for Modern Living

The first floor was previously fragmented, limiting natural light and connectivity. By removing the corridor walls, ROOVICE created an expansive entrance area that flows directly into the living spaces. The kitchen was reimagined, leaving behind only a signature tiled wall as a memory of the old design. The bathroom and toilet were newly installed with fresh tiling, and white paint on the walls helped reflect natural light. Tatami was removed in favor of wood flooring, while traditional shōji screens were lovingly restored—offering a nod to the past within a modern spatial composition.

Second Floor Renovation: Harmonizing Craftsmanship and Functionality

On the second floor, heritage elements were preserved and enhanced. The defining red kitchen tiles were replaced with similar hues to honor the original while introducing modern aesthetics. A new custom kitchen was installed, and the wooden wall panels were retained. The ceiling boards were stripped away to reveal exposed beams, introducing vertical openness and celebrating the home’s structure. New insulation was added discreetly, and the space formerly divided by partitions was unified into a bright, continuous living-dining-kitchen zone. The traditional tatami room was also refreshed, blending seamlessly with the contemporary design language.

Final Outcome: A Contemporary 3LDK Rooted in Context

The completed Tokyo house renovation results in a flexible and spacious 3LDK home with a large, welcoming entrance. ROOVICE’s renovation strategy focused on functional upgrades, efficient spatial planning, and sensitive preservation of material and design history. It is not only a practical housing solution but also a symbol of responsible architectural intervention in Tokyo’s aging urban fabric.

A Model for Sustainable Urban Regeneration

Nukui House represents more than a single-family renovation. As part of the Kariage initiative, it models how vacant homes can be adapted for contemporary use while retaining cultural memory. The project illustrates the potential of Tokyo house renovation to drive community-oriented, sustainable urban development—setting a precedent for future revitalization efforts across Japan.

All photographs are works of Akira Nakamura