Renovation
Selected case studies where we worked with local makers to renovate kominka, modernise villas, and prepare ski-resort condominiums for overseas owners.
Case study
A timber-framed home rebuilt in 2022 over fourteen months. Floor structure was lifted, the original beams cleaned and re-pinned, and triple-glazed windows installed flush with the historical sashes. Under-floor heating runs on locally sourced firewood.
Case study
A 78 m² two-bedroom unit at 1,500 m, taken from 1990s mountain-rental brown to a quiet, light-filled second home. New onsen plumbing, hidden ski-storage entry, double-vapour bathroom envelope to handle the dry winter air.
Case study
A 1932 machiya five minutes from the 13 source springs. We reorganised the entry to host ski guests, retained the engawa, and reinforced the koshi-do facade to current seismic standard while keeping the lacquer-black timber.
How we work
Structural, roof, foundation, snow-load. Two days on site with a structural engineer.
What stays, what changes, what surprises sit underneath. Delivered as a one-page PDF in English.
Local contractors, weekly photo updates, fixed-price line items.
Final walkthrough in person or by Zoom. Tax-agent introduction included.
We'll inspect it with you, prepare a renovation brief, and quote in fixed-price line items — no charge until you accept.