Japanese practice Fumihiko Sano Studio has incorporated local craft and traditional materials into the Hishiya restaurant and guesthouse in Fukichiyama, Kyoto, which occupies a renovated 20th-century folk house, or minka.
Handmade Japanese paper, lacquer and local timber were used to both modernise and honour the heritage of the 80-year-old structure, which features on the shortlist of the hotel and short stay interior category for Dezeen Awards 2021.
Hishiya restaurant and guesthouse is located in Kyoto and was designed by Fumihiko Sano Studio
Tokyo-based Fumihiko Sano Studio was commissioned by a nearby restaurant owner, who was disappointed that the only accommodation in the area was provided by commercial hotels while historic houses stood vacant. The studio believes that the growing issue of vacant homes in more rural Japanese cities - which are often be demolished instead of renovated - is causing a "dissipation of culture" in these areas.
The design of the guesthouse was informed by traditional inns
Hishiya draws on the the typology of an inn, with the former house used to accommodate a restaurant space alongside four guest rooms, each designed as an expression and celebration of the city's identity.
"Since the goal of the project was to introduce the identity of Fukuchiyama to visitors from outside of the city, creating a space unique to the local environment was and important design feature," the studio explained.
The renovated minka, or folk h...