Fumiaso Architects Revitalize 80-Year-Old Japanese House into Sustainable Mountain Retreat

Fumiaso Architect and Associates Renovates 80-Year-Old House

Fumiaso Architect and Associates has renovated an 80-year-old traditional house in Kamiyama Town, Japan. This project transforms the house into Homarenomori, a resort that connects the nearby mountains with the city below. The renovation preserves the main structure while reusing materials from old livestock barns and other extensions.

Lead architect Fumi Aso shared, “Transporting materials to this remote area and disposing of waste seemed challenging. We decided to reuse demolished buildings as resources instead of discarding them.”

Reusing Materials from Original Structures

The site is located about 30 minutes by car from Kamiyama Town’s center. A winding road leads through lush forests and plum groves to the location. Fumiaso Architect and Associates has reused earth, wood, and metal from the original structures. Key elements, such as beams and pillars from the cowshed, have been reinforced to support the main house. Floorboards have been cleaned and repurposed for ceilings and stairs. Galvalume sheets from the old buildings have been used to promote new interactions on-site.

The team maintained a minimalist approach. They added new walls only where necessary for structural support. The original walls of the main house were strengthened to ensure stability. Interior walls are intentionally thin, creating fluid transitions between spaces while distinguishing between quiet and lively areas. The design encourages a natural connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing visitors to engage with the surroundings and the local community.

Homarenomori in a Verdant Area

The idea for Homarenomori began when the client envisioned a space connecting the upstream and downstream areas of Tokushima. After three years, they found the site in Kamiyama, an hour from Tokushima City. Kamiyama combines rural and urban elements, attracting young professionals with its coworking spaces and tech offices. The area is accessible by a small road leading from the national highway.

Visitors are welcomed into dense greenery, with coniferous forests and sunny areas framed by plum groves. The breathtaking views of the mountains and sky create a serene environment. The original house had dark, smoky interiors. The renovation aims to honor this rustic character while enhancing the space.

Conclusion

Fumiaso Architect and Associates has successfully transformed an old house into a modern retreat that respects its history. The thoughtful reuse of materials and the emphasis on connection with nature make Homarenomori a unique destination.