Studio House in Tkarazuka

In the centre of Takarazuka near Osaka, Japan, more and more high-rise blocks are taking the place of the traditional timber structures that have been destroyed in earthquakes. Forming the end of a row of otherwise dilapidated houses that depend on each other for mutual support, the present building has been converted into a studio. It is now braced by a three-dimensional steel framework interlaced with the existing structure. On the west face, the old timbers and a section of the wall are still visible through the new glazed facade. Parts of the roof have been replaced with concrete slabs. The white-painted steel structure is strikingly contrasted with the dark existing timber beams.