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The main concern of the renovation was to increase the earthquake resistance of the building, ensuring safety and durability. This structural upgrade formed the backbone of the renovation, providing a solid foundation for the aesthetic and functional improvements that followed. The initial layout of the first floor is characterized by dark, segmented spaces. To create a more open and inviting environment, the renovation team removed partition walls and ceiling boards, merging the former kitchen with two rooms with tatami mats into one, expansive area. The previously drab walls were repainted a crisp white and new windows were installed, allowing natural light to flood the space.

The tatami floors were replaced with a shiny hemlock wooden floor covering the traditional kotatsu pit. Clinker tiles already adorn the kitchen and hallway floors, and the custom-made kitchen worktop adds a modern touch. A distinctive triangular built-in cabinet in the hallway wall was highlighted by building a diagonal wall connecting it to the kitchen wall. A new glass door, reflecting the style of the cabinetry, was installed to lead to the kitchen, improving both functionality and aesthetic continuity.

In the bathroom, the renovation allowed more space for the washing machine. The flooring in the front bathroom area has been renewed with practical PVC sheeting, the bath has been replaced and new white tiles have been installed on the walls. Traditional Tamaishi tiles, resembling small pebbles and reminiscent of the Shōwa era, were chosen for the floor of the bathroom and toilet. The wooden steps leading from the living room to the garden, which had deteriorated over time, were replaced with a traditional stone step, which enhances the connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces.

Upstairs, the kitchenette that once occupied the hallway has been removed and the wall has been elegantly lined with the same clinker tiles used on the ground floor. The tatami rooms were preserved, with new tatami mats installed and shoji doors renovated, keeping in touch with the home’s traditional roots. The flooring of the external corridor has been renewed, new windows and flooring have been installed to match those of the ground floor. The walls throughout were painted white, which contributed to a cohesive and bright atmosphere.

In the third room on the second floor, the old wooden floorboards were replaced with new lauan ones and a beige carpet was laid, providing a soft contrast to the wooden elements. The balcony has been waterproofed and the fence has been repainted black, completing the refreshed look of the home with a touch of modern elegance. The Shirokanedai House project by Roovice is an example of a harmonious combination of traditional Japanese architecture and modern design principles. Through careful renovation, the property now boasts improved functionality, safety and aesthetic appeal, ensuring its continued desirability.