Historic Kominka Renovation in Saga's Torigoe District

This property is a 150-year-old traditional Japanese farmhouse (kominka) located in the Torigoe district of Saga Prefecture. The owner, who currently resides in Tokyo, spent their childhood in this home. The property had been managed by an uncle and was lived in by an aunt until she passed away in an accident several years ago, leaving the house vacant. The decision was made to renovate the property rather than sell it, transforming it into a base for a second chapter of life and restoring it to a place of human habitation.

The renovation was designed with the primary goal of preserving the 150 years of history and family memories embedded in the home. The building's frame and old timber were retained as much as possible, and natural materials such as Kyushu-produced cedar lumber and diatomaceous earth were used for the finishes. While respecting the unique construction methods of a traditional farmhouse, the seismic resistance and insulation performance were upgraded to modern standards, creating a space where old and new coexist. A key feature is the balance achieved between atmosphere and a sense of security.

A significant challenge was the property's age. Due to the nature of a 150-year-old building, many distortions and areas of rot only became apparent after demolition, requiring frequent deviations from the initial design. Ensuring seismic performance while preserving old timber necessitated repeated structural calculations and on-site adjustments, relying heavily on the experience and judgment of skilled craftsmen. Selecting construction methods and detailing to balance traditional techniques with modern performance was particularly difficult.

The greatest benefit of utilizing this vacant house was the ability to inherit its history and memories, which cannot be obtained with a new build, while achieving a comfortable and secure home. For the owner, the house has become a place where childhood memories are revived and daily gratitude for the home that has been protected by ancestors for generations is felt. By regenerating the vacant house, the project has preserved the local landscape and memories, creating a valuable choice for passing them on to the next generation.