Eastern oasis

Japan-based architect Luke Hayward of atelier Luke has designed Ichijoji House, a contemporary residential haven in Kyoto.

- Joanne Molina

Framed by its elegant natural environs, the thoughtful, graceful lines and textures of Ichijoji House capture the magic that infuses modern living in Kyoto. The property was designed by Australian-born Luke Hayward, who leads his eponymous Osaka-based firm with Japanese interior designer Junko Nakatsuka, and who collaborated with the region’s master artisans to complete the delicate renovation.

“The home exemplifies the changing notion of luxury in contemporary architecture. I think it’s important to recognise that luxury does not have to mean ostentation,” says Hayward.

“We worked very closely with the client, a Danish Australian furniture maker, throughout the design process for their holiday home. They were very trusting of our design ideas and we were all immediately struck by the sense of place in the existing house,” he continues.

The extensive renovation and small extension of the 50m2 two-floor Japanese row/terraced house took more than a year and a half. Originally constructed in 1961 as one in a block of four homes, this typical post-war Japanese property had been neglected for more than half a century.