HOGAN: harmony between Zen gardens and timeless architecture

In the heart of Kyoto, the HOGAN project transforms a historic residence and a cottage nestled in a Zen garden. A harmonious dialogue between tradition and modernity, where architecture and nature blend into a unique sensory experience.

Dialogue between garden and architecture

The HOGAN project, curated by Kenzo Makino & Associates, has seen the rebirth of a main residence and an independent cottage, immersed in a Zen garden designed by Sone Zouen. Here, renovation projects intertwine with the poetry of nature, creating spaces where the past and present embrace each other. The main house, with its traditional Japanese charm, has been restored with minimal interventions to respect its historical memory, while the cottage has undergone a radical transformation to welcome guests in an immersive experience of silence and landscape.

Main residence restoration

The main residence, a testament to elegance and care, has been renovated with a delicate approach. Deteriorated elements have been repaired, systems updated, and dark materials introduced to provide visual order and intimacy to the spaces. The goal was to preserve the original character while allowing for modern enjoyment. Each choice maintained a balance between contemporary functionality and respect for tradition.

Transformation of the cottage into a guesthouse

The cottage, approximately 43 square meters in size, has been completely reimagined. Inside, there is a LDK (living-dining-kitchen) area and a bathroom, both open to the landscape. The full-width openings allow the garden to flow through the building, transforming the perception of space. The floor, with polished stones and others left rough, becomes an extension of the landscape, offering a unique tactile experience.

A continuum between interior and exterior

The design intentionally blurs the boundary between inside and outside, extending the interior finishes to the exterior. In the bathroom, a recessed and frameless bathtub reflects the northern garden, creating a "water floor" that enhances the feeling of immersion in nature. Like a game of "shiritori", each element of the garden inspired the architecture, which in turn redefined the garden. A reciprocal dialogue in which both complement each other, generating a rare and profound harmony.

Gallery

PEOPLE

Kenzo Makino & Associates

Kyoto, Japan