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Architectural Cases

Jingu Studio Renovation: Blending Modernism with Contemporary Living in Tokyo

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The renovation of Jingu Studio, completed in 2024 by YNAS, breathes new life into a 96-square-meter apartment located in Tokyo, Japan. This ambitious project is housed within the historic Villa Serena, a modernist building designed by Junzo Sakakura. The endeavor stands as a testament to the potential of adaptive reuse, offering a compelling alternative to Japan's prevalent "scrap-and-build" culture by showcasing how strategic architectural interventions can significantly enhance the enduring value and functionality of older constructions. The design meticulously navigates the inherent tension between the building's rigorous 600mm structural grid and the dynamic, interconnected lives of its inhabitants—an architect and a casting director. By embracing and creatively resolving the "ambiguity" between professional and personal spheres, the project successfully transforms a piece of modernist history into a highly efficient and adaptable home and studio environment.

Details of the Jingu Studio Transformation

In 2024, the YNAS architectural firm spearheaded a significant renovation in Tokyo, Japan, meticulously transforming an apartment within the esteemed Villa Serena. The core challenge involved integrating the modernist building's rigid 600mm structural framework with the flexible living requirements of an architect and a casting director. The design team ingeniously crafted a space that fluidly transitions between a bustling professional studio and a serene personal residence. This transformation demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to architectural preservation, proving that aging structures can be revitalized to meet contemporary demands without resorting to demolition. The project notably features innovative spatial solutions that blur the lines between work and leisure, cultivating an environment where both can coexist harmoniously and functionally. Photographs by Shinkenchiku Sha, Masao Nishikawa, and Mariko Yasaka capture the essence of this sophisticated renovation.

This renovation offers profound insights into sustainable urban development and the importance of preserving architectural heritage. It challenges the conventional wisdom that old buildings must give way to new, instead advocating for intelligent design that adapts existing frameworks to evolving lifestyles. The project exemplifies how a deep understanding of a building's history and structural constraints, combined with a creative vision for its future, can yield spaces that are both historically rich and perfectly attuned to modern needs. It serves as an inspiring blueprint for architects and urban planners worldwide, highlighting the economic and environmental benefits of renovation over reconstruction, and championing a more thoughtful approach to our built environment.

Tietê178: A Masterpiece of Minimalist Architecture in São Paulo
Architectural Cases

Tietê178: A Masterpiece of Minimalist Architecture in São Paulo

Trim House: A Modern Dwelling in Vilnius by Robert Konieczny and KWK Promes
Architectural Cases

Trim House: A Modern Dwelling in Vilnius by Robert Konieczny and KWK Promes

Sony World Photography Awards 2026: Celebrating Architectural Photography Excellence
Architectural Cases

Sony World Photography Awards 2026: Celebrating Architectural Photography Excellence

Architectural Cases

Nanhai Dali 'Yanbu 1432' Revitalization: Industrial Heritage to Public Waterfront

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The Nanhai Dali “Yanbu 1432” project by Atelier cnS has dramatically reimagined the historic Yanbu Grain Processing Plant and Distillery, transforming a disused industrial site into a dynamic public waterfront. This undertaking, located within the Yanbu Old Dragon 1432 Zone along the Huadi River, serves as a crucial component of Dali's larger urban renewal strategy. Historically, Dali, a Pearl River Delta industrial hub, had prioritized development over human-centric public spaces. The revitalization of these warehouses, once integral to the Guangzhou-Foshan trade route, now reconnects the community with its riverside heritage, creating a lively and accessible public amenity.

This renovation exemplifies a commitment to sustainable urban development by repurposing existing structures and integrating them into the city's expanding public infrastructure. The design preserves the industrial character of the site while introducing contemporary elements that enhance usability and aesthetic appeal. The project not only celebrates the area's rich trade history but also paves the way for future developments that prioritize livability and community engagement, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to urban planning in rapidly evolving regions.

Reimagining Industrial Heritage for Community Life

The Nanhai Dali "Yanbu 1432" initiative represents a profound transformation of the former Yanbu Grain Processing Plant and Distillery into a vibrant public waterfront. Situated in the historical Yanbu Old Dragon 1432 Zone along the Huadi River, this project by Atelier cnS is a cornerstone of Dali's ongoing urban renewal. Historically, Dali, like many industrial towns in the Pearl River Delta, focused heavily on rapid development, often at the expense of human-centered public spaces. The district's extension of the Qiandeng Lake axis signals a shift towards creating a more livable urban environment, and the renovation of these obsolete riverside warehouses is a key step in unlocking public space within the dense urban fabric.

These warehouses, once crucial to the Guangzhou-Foshan thoroughfare's trade heritage, have been revitalized to serve contemporary community needs. The design philosophy behind the project emphasizes blending the site's rich industrial past with modern functional and aesthetic requirements. This careful balance ensures that the historical integrity of the structures is respected while new elements are introduced to create a welcoming and engaging public space. The project also addresses environmental considerations, enhancing the ecological value of the riverside area and promoting sustainable urban practices.

Architectural Design and Urban Regeneration

The architectural intervention by Atelier cnS in the Yanbu Grain Processing Plant and Distillery renovation focuses on a holistic approach to urban regeneration. The design not only preserves the distinctive industrial character of the existing buildings but also introduces contemporary architectural elements that facilitate public access and interaction. This includes the creation of new pathways, communal areas, and green spaces that seamlessly integrate with the historical structures, fostering a sense of continuity between past and present.

The project serves as a model for how industrial heritage can be repurposed to contribute to a city's livability and cultural richness. By transforming a dormant industrial site into a dynamic waterfront public space, Nanhai Dali "Yanbu 1432" enhances the quality of life for residents and attracts visitors, reinforcing the area's identity as a vibrant urban center. The thoughtful integration of historical context, modern design, and community-focused amenities underscores a strategic vision for urban development that balances economic growth with social and environmental sustainability.

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Casa Luz: A Harmonious Renovation in Oaxaca
Architectural Cases

Casa Luz: A Harmonious Renovation in Oaxaca

SATOYAMA TERRACE: Integrating Architecture with Japan's Traditional Landscape
Architectural Cases

SATOYAMA TERRACE: Integrating Architecture with Japan's Traditional Landscape

Burnley House: A Modern Urban Dwelling in Richmond
Architectural Cases

Burnley House: A Modern Urban Dwelling in Richmond

Architectural Cases

House and Office SH / 1-1 Architects: Sustainable Design in Nagoya

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The House & Office SH project, designed by 1-1 Architects in Nagoya, Japan, stands as a testament to resourceful and sustainable architectural practice. Faced with a construction company's half-century accumulation of surplus timber, the architects embarked on a design journey that transformed this seemingly dormant material into a vibrant and functional living and working space. This innovative approach not only addresses the environmental concern of material waste but also breathes new life into a legacy of craftsmanship and resourcefulness, demonstrating how historical assets can be reimagined for contemporary needs.

This innovative project in Nagoya, Japan, tackles the common issue of accumulated construction materials by transforming an existing surplus of timber into a new office and residential building. The design by 1-1 Architects showcases a profound commitment to sustainability and resourcefulness, demonstrating how materials, once considered waste, can be integrated into modern architecture. The initiative not only preserves valuable timber that had been stored for decades by a construction company but also creates a unique aesthetic and functional environment. This transformation highlights a forward-thinking approach to urban development, where historical context and environmental responsibility are woven into the fabric of new constructions.

Transforming Surplus Timber into Modern Spaces

The core concept behind House & Office SH was to utilize the vast quantity of unused timber amassed over 50 years by a local construction company in Nagoya. This material, often seen as an economic burden or waste, was instead envisioned as a valuable resource for a new combined office and residential structure. The architects meticulously planned the integration of this reclaimed wood, ensuring that each piece contributed to both the structural integrity and the aesthetic appeal of the building. This strategy not only mitigated waste but also infused the new construction with a sense of history and unique character.

The architects from 1-1 Architects were presented with a unique challenge: a significant stockpile of timber, accumulated over five decades by a construction firm in Nagoya, that was deemed too valuable to discard yet lacked a clear purpose. Embracing this legacy, the design team developed a project that centered on the creative reuse of these materials. The objective was to craft a dual-purpose building, serving as both a contemporary office and a comfortable residence, all while maximizing the utilization of the inherited wood. This approach involved an intricate process of evaluating the diverse collection of timber, ranging from surplus ordered by previous generations to salvaged pieces from demolition sites. The careful selection and integration of these varied wooden elements not only gave the structure a distinct architectural identity but also significantly reduced the project's ecological footprint, making it a pioneering example of sustainable construction practices in an urban setting.

Sustainable Design and Community Integration

The completion of House & Office SH in 2023 marks a significant achievement in sustainable architecture, demonstrating that modest footprints can lead to substantial environmental and aesthetic benefits. With a total area of just 69 square meters, the project efficiently combines functional living and working spaces, showcasing intelligent design that responds to urban density. Its construction reflects a deeper connection to the community, leveraging local resources and honoring the history of the construction company. This building serves as a model for future developments, promoting ecological awareness and innovative material use within Japan's architectural landscape.

Completed in 2023, the House & Office SH project represents a benchmark for integrating sustainability and community values within contemporary architecture. Its compact design, covering an area of 69 square meters, offers a pragmatic solution for urban living and working, minimizing land use while maximizing functional efficiency. The architects' decision to prioritize the reuse of local timber not only fostered environmental responsibility but also strengthened the project's ties to Nagoya's industrial heritage. This structure embodies a vision where architectural design can be a powerful tool for promoting circular economy principles, transforming waste into valuable assets, and creating spaces that are both environmentally conscious and deeply rooted in their cultural context. The project stands as an inspiration for architects and developers globally, illustrating the potential for innovative design to address complex challenges related to resource management and sustainable urban development.

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