Preserving Tradition: Roovice and Cabbage Truck's Collaborative Renovation of a Centennial Row House in Sumida, Tokyo

Situated just a 10-minute walk from Hikifune station in Sumida, stands a piece of history reborn. Roovice, in collaboration with the woodwork and architectural studio Cabbage Truck, undertook the task of revitalizing a row house with a rich heritage spanning over a century.

The owner inherited the dilapidated property from his elderly father. Living in a different city made it challenging for him to tend to the house himself, prompting his participation in the Kariage initiative. Through this program, Roovice undertakes the renovation and subsequent subleasing of old vacant houses at zero cost to the owner, offering a solution to Japan's growing issue of akiya, or empty properties.

Embracing the historical significance of the building, the renovation began with essential seismic updates such as adding new dampers, ensuring the structure's resilience to earthquakes for years to come. Attention then turned to the interior, with a focus on preserving original features while modernizing essential spaces - the kitchen, bathroom, and toilet.

One of the house's unique charms was the distinct round-shaped wooden step leading the way from the entrance. During the renovation, the window in the entrance wall was opened up, flooding the living room with natural light and revealing historical materials within the wall. Opting to leave the top part exposed, the wall now stands as a tribute to the traditional construction methods of yesteryear, showcasing the authenticity of its craftsmanship.

While the fundamental layout of the first floor remained unchanged, strategic adjustments, such as relocating the separating wall, created additional space in the kitchen and bathroom. The rest of the unnecessary walls were dismantled to create an open space. Original tiles in the bathroom were preserved, maintaining a connection to the house's past, while the former shelving unit and a sleek new kitchen unit from Toolbox seamlessly blend tradition with modern convenience.

The renovation continued upstairs, where dismantling the walls of a traditional Japanese storage, oshiire, exposed a captivating wallpaper collage which we decided to preserve as a piece of art. Rawan flooring adds warmth and character to the newly created one spacious room, where a blend of old and new ceiling boards preserves the house's authenticity while ensuring structural integrity.

Throughout the renovation, our aim was to create a delicate balance between honoring the past and embracing the future. By breathing new life into this row house, Roovice and Cabbage Truck have not only revitalized a piece of architectural history but also hopefully offered a beacon of hope for addressing Japan's housing challenges with reverence for tradition.