Studio Aluc renovation of a Kyoto machiya as a renewed short-stay townhouse model

A century-old historic machiya townhouse in Kyoto has been made into a short-stay accommodation by Studio Aluc. The renovation still has the original timber structure, earthen walls, and traces of historical carpentry but changes the layout and interiors to suit contemporary hospitality needs. The project shows that the reuse of the building can preserve the heritage and the modern comfort at the same time without losing the historical memory.

Respecting Traditional Structure while Enabling Change

The original machiya consisted of two independent wings, east and west. Studio Aluc merged them into one single space under a single roof and at the same time reinforced the structure, which had been weakened over time. Past repairs are not hidden but rather the design highlights the overlapping layers of carpentry and renovation from different periods. This honesty in structure lends the building architectural depth and narrative richness.

Spatial Strategy and Interior Layout

The ground floor features the traditional earthen flooring and also links to a small internal courtyard, which serves to provide light and ventilation even in the case of a narrow lot, which is characteristic of Kyoto townhouses. Dining and lounge areas are arranged around these courtyards with the intention of maximizing the natural light. The upper floor contains small guest rooms, some of which are duplex, and bathing and sleeping areas are integrated in a continuous spatial experience. This layout provides a balance of privacy and openness while still retaining the original spatial rhythm of the machiya.

Material Integrity and Craftsmanship Exposure

Natural materials and workmanship are the hallmarks of interior finishes. All wooden beams, clay walls, old structural timbers, and reclaimed elements are made visible. Traditional features such as sliding screens, tatami flooring, and paper-light fixtures are joined by gentle modern interventions such as careful lighting and updated utilities. The outcome is a place that is visitor-friendly and portrays warmth and genuineness at the same time.

Adaptive Reuse and Cultural Continuity

The project is not a renovation for its own sake but an act of cultural continuity. By providing a new life to an old townhouse, Studio Aluc helps keep the machiya typology alive within a modern context. The change of use from a private house to short-stay hospitality not only prolongs the building’s life but also invites a new generation to experience traditional architecture and helps combat the loss of heritage housing in the urban fabric of Kyoto.

Architectural Insights and Lessons for Practice

Topic	Insight
Heritage preservation through transparency	Exposing structural history and previous interventions enriches the architectural narrative rather than hiding it.
Integration of old and new functions	Combining traditional layouts with contemporary hospitality uses can preserve typology while updating functionality.
Material honesty and craftsmanship	Maintaining natural materials and visible craft details anchors modern use in cultural memory.
Adaptive reuse as sustainable strategy	Extending life of existing buildings reduces need for new construction and preserves urban heritage.
Urban and cultural relevance	Projects like this help sustain traditional housing typologies in evolving cities and provide renewed relevance.

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight

The Kyoto machiya renovation by Studio Aluc illustrates the fact that heritage architecture can be modernized without losing its cultural identity. The project is a model for respectful adaptive reuse as it exposes layers of structural history, preserves natural materials, and maintains the spatial rhythm of the original townhouse. Its transformation into short-stay accommodation has shown that traditional urban typologies have a way of regaining their relevance in contemporary contexts. This method gives architects the opportunity to acquire valuable insights into cultural continuity, material honesty, and sustainable reuse of historic structures.

Conclusion

The changed Kyoto machiya upholds an effective example of the past and present being symbiotically connected. It asserts that the Historic buildings can be switched to different uses while their spirit and personality remain intact. The architects and designers alike the project, the notion of preservation with sensitivity, material honesty, and reuse of resources as the most powerful tools for sustainable and culturally aware architecture.

The photography is by Kenta Hasegawa.

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