wooden louvers run along kyoto office space's entire interior by ujizono architects

ujizono architects converts Kyoto Parking Lot into Office Space

WA House by ujizono architects exemplifies the thoughtful renovation of a former parking lot into functional office spaces in Kyoto, Japan. Drawing from Kyoto’s architectural traditions, the design emphasizes a seamless connection between the building and the city, reflecting the historic ‘mise-tana’ and ‘machi-tana’ concepts.

The design maintains a sense of continuity from the ground floor to the sidewalk, ensuring openness and a strong local connection. The structure is modeled after the Kyoto machiya, incorporating a straight line of flow with an earthen floor, a raised floor, and a small room aligned along the short side direction. This arrangement forms a ‘kata-doma,’ or three rooms on the floor.

To enhance space efficiency and maintain the traditional straight axis, the architects introduced a small raised area running north-south. This adaptation, inspired by the traditional niwa (garden), includes wooden louvers, wall storage, stairs, and a kids’ space, which expand the spatial diversity and functionality.

all images by Shohei Yoshida

wooden fittings and stone floors shape up WA House’s interior

The small room is designed to gently connect different areas without rigid divisions, fostering a cohesive environment. The louver wall serves as both a workspace and a welcoming area, creating a subtle connection between the earthen floor area and the workspaces without separating them completely. The elliptical shape of the louvers and stiles contributes to a sense of flat expanse and openness.

In response to the client’s request to use common materials, the renovation features painted walls and earthen floors finished with Nambu stone. The ceiling is crafted from Japanese paper cloth coated with EP. These materials add a tactile quality to the architecture, enhancing its appeal. ujizono architects‘ WA House integrates traditional Kyoto architectural elements with modern office functionality, creating a space that honors the past while serving contemporary needs.

WA House by ujizono architects transforms a former parking lot into functional office spaces in Kyoto

the design draws from Kyoto’s architectural traditions, emphasizing a seamless connection with the city

elliptical louvers and stiles contribute to a sense of flat expanse and openness

reflecting historic ‘mise-tana’ and ‘machi-tana’ concepts, the ground floor connects directly to the sidewalk

the structure, modeled after Kyoto machiya, incorporates an earthen floor and a raised floor

inspired by the traditional niwa, this area includes louvers, wall storage, stairs, and a kids’ space

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project info:

name: WA HOUSE
architect: ujizono architects | @ujizono_architects
location: Kyoto, Japan

photography: Shohei Yoshida – amu photograph

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom