【Takanawa/Tokyo】 This is a Condominium!?A Phenomenal and Stylish Renovation on another level

A room in a condominium in Takanawa, Tokyo. The original owner, who owned a tearoom, wanted to renovate it into a room specifically for tea ceremonies. They commissioned Namazu Construction for the project. This case study showcases the ideas and sophisticated touches of Namazu Construction’s master carpenter, Ko Kishimoto, who is also a tea master.

When thinking of a tearoom, one might imagine making tea and enjoying it with tea sweets. However, this is an informal “tea gathering.” A “tea event” (chaji), on the other hand, starts with boiling water for tea, followed by a meal, after which guests first enjoy thick tea and finish with thin tea—a full-course tea gathering, so to speak. Therefore, a kitchen is essential. The pathways for serving food are also crucial. As a tea master, Mr. Kishimoto is well-versed in tea ceremony etiquette, enabling him to create a simple yet outstanding space within limited confines that is easy to use for the host and respectful for the guests. The entrance and windows are designed in the style of a traditional Japanese house, making you forget for a moment that you are in a condominium.

An Encounter with Reclaimed Wood

Namazu Construction collects and stores various materials. If a house unfortunately has to be demolished due to aging, they take in pillars, doors, and ceilings that seem reusable and carefully store them until the opportunity arises to repurpose these materials. In the Takanawa house, reclaimed wood from Namazu Construction is used for the ceiling beams. The materials, colours, and sizes of reclaimed wood vary, so it’s impossible to know in advance how they will harmonize with a home—it’s truly a chance encounter. However, these beams impart a unique charm to the house. Although the room is primarily for tea ceremonies, it is equipped with amenities like a shower room to ensure that the female owner can use it comfortably in her daily life. This renovation, blending convenience and elegance, is a prime example of what Namazu Construction can achieve.

What’s NAMAZUGUMI？
“NAMAZUGUMI” is a Japanese carpentry group. They specialize in wooden construction and aim to deliverJapanese traditions. From design to material selection, finishing, and construction, they believe in craftsmen taking care of every step of the home-building process. JAPANDORAKU offers the opportunity to create the ultimate Japanese-style home through a carpentry experience with the craftsmen of NAMAZUGUMI, resulting ina unique home tailored to you.