{"id":798027,"date":"2026-05-15T11:05:24","date_gmt":"2026-05-15T11:05:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/798027\/"},"modified":"2026-05-15T11:05:24","modified_gmt":"2026-05-15T11:05:24","slug":"kengo-kumas-latest-residential-project-revives-a-historic-kyoto-teahouse","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/798027\/","title":{"rendered":"Kengo Kuma\u2019s Latest Residential Project Revives a Historic Kyoto Teahouse"},"content":{"rendered":"

\n\tJapanese architect Kengo Kuma<\/a>,\u00a0known for blending contemporary design with natural materials, light, and traditional Japanese craftsmanship,\u00a0is converting a traditional former teahouse in Kyoto<\/a> into an ultra-private residence. Known as the Silence, the project centers around the former Hasegawa Residence, a 200-year-old property in the Kamishichiken district that is now slated for a major restoration and redesign. The structure was rebuilt in 1828 and, over the decades, hosted writers, artists, and wealthy patrons.<\/p>\n

\n\tLocated beside the nearly 1,100-year-old\u00a0Kitano Tenmangu Shrine<\/a>, the property sits in one of the city\u2019s oldest and most culturally important districts, an area known for its traditional tea houses, performing arts, and centuries-old hospitality culture. Kamishichiken is considered Kyoto\u2019s oldest geisha district, where geiko and maiko\u2014Kyoto\u2019s traditional female performers trained in music and dance\u2014still work today.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\tRather than replacing the original architecture, Kuma aims to preserve much of the home\u2019s layout and historic details. Plans call for a main residence, detached guest quarters, and a traditional kura storehouse that together span roughly 3,060 square feet. The two-bedroom compound will include a tea room, a reception hall, a water garden, and a spa and sauna.<\/p>\n

\n\tRELATED: <\/strong>Carlo Mollino\u2019s Modernist Masterpiece on Italy\u2019s Lake Maggiore Lists for $2.2 Million<\/a><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\"the<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\tThe Kyoto compound open to a serene water garden.<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCourtesy of TonTon Inc<\/p>\n

\n\tKuma, whose recent projects range from luxury resorts to museums and stadiums, is overseeing the architectural direction. According to project materials, his approach focuses on preserving the relationship between the centuries-old timber structure and the surrounding natural landscape through the use of light, shadow, wood, and stone.<\/p>\n

\n\tSeveral Japanese artisans and heritage specialists are also involved in the restoration. The venerable temple-building company\u00a0Kongo Gumi<\/a>, founded in 578 AD, will oversee construction work, while teahouse carpentry specialist Nakamura Sotoji Komuten is handling the sukiya-style interiors, a traditional Japanese approach defined by minimalist spaces, natural materials, and design principles rooted in tea ceremonies.<\/p>\n