Family Residence in Former Geisha House in Japan

Family Residence in Former Geisha House in Japan

© Takumi Ota

The 276-square-meter building was transformed into its current form by the architecture firm PUDDLE Inc. The homeowner has a large collection of valuable items and many friends and acquaintances with whom he enjoys spending time in long, heartfelt conversations. Therefore, the architects, basing their design on the client's character, decided to place a large kitchen in the center of the apartment, which could become a favorite spot for such conversations.

This open central space of the house is located on the third floor and includes the kitchen, two dining areas, a slightly elevated living room set in the place of the former stage, and the wife's studio, who is a mangaka—artist who draws manga.

All of this space is covered with heavy ceiling beams and wooden panels in a chevron pattern, which were uncovered and preserved after the removal of the previous ceiling.

The color palette of this space is built on a combination of warm wood floor tones and gray wall shades. The effect the architects aimed for is to emphasize the existing beam structure while at the same time giving the entire space a sense of depth.

On the second floor are the bedrooms and bathroom. The entrance to the house is also located here, which, according to the project authors, should evoke a sense of anticipation for the upper space.

Finally, the first floor remains free for now. The exposed structure of this space after renovation is preserved in its original state, attracting with its emptiness the possible future filling, as the owner of the house continues to meet new people and encounter new things worthy of finding their place in his home.

Photography: Takumi Ota