Japanese architect Uoya Shigenori stripped back and reconfigured this 100-year-old townhouse in Kyoto to create moody and tranquil interiors for Maana Kamo guesthouse.
Located in the historic Higashiyama District, the hotel was designed by Shigenori for Maana Homes, the owner of a collection of luxury retreats hidden within some of the Japanese city's old streets.
The main living room inside Maana Kamo guesthouse
The goal of the renovation was to preserve and expose the dwelling's original structure while creating a minimalist retreat for quiet contemplation.
It has been shortlisted for the hotel and short stay interior of the year at the Dezeen Awards 2020.
Its guestroom can be adapted into a yoga space
"Preserving and highlighting the house's imperfectly aged beauty is the backbone of our design philosophy," said Maana Homes. "The beauty and soul of a traditional Japanese townhome is in its structural elements."
The kitchen has a central island covered with layers of Urushi
Prior to the renovation, Maana Kamo was in a poor condition with unsightly vinyl wall coverings, tile ceilings and broken floorboards.
These finishes were all removed, exposing the old house's rough, wooden structure and original walls that are made from clay.
A double vanity features in the new moody bathroom
These original details have been teamed with dark, moody furnishings and subdued lighting, alongside new timber walls and floors lined with traditional straw tatami mats.
Orna...