Old Japanese houses were built with summer in mind — open, breathable, and in harmony with the humidity. Winter, however, was never their strength. Most kominkas were made with little insulation by modern standards, designed instead to welcome the breeze that carried the scent of earth and cedar through their wooden halls.
In the countryside during summer, families would open every sliding door to draw in the cool night air outside. A large kaya (mosquito net) would be draped over the sleeping area, and everyone would rest together on futons, lulled by the soft hum of a fan and the whisper of the wind.
When winter came, warmth was to be found in small, intimate spaces. People would sit around a kotatsu or hibachi, keeping their hands and feet warm while their breath condensed in the cold air. There was no such thing as central heating — only the quiet closeness of family and the flicker of a fire.
At our Akiya2.0 project in Amazaki, we wanted to preserve the spirit of simplicity but ensure modern comfort through the seasons. As part of the renovation, the cottage is now fully insulated, allowing guests to enjoy the same timeless beauty of a kominka, but without the winter chill. Using modern materials coupled with the craftsmanship of skilled Japanese builders, we have the freedom to connect the warmth of history with the comfort of iteration — bringing humans back to this lovely dwelling and allowing the house to live and breathe again.