This is a do-it-yourself project for earthquake-resistant renovation of a 100-year-old Kyoto machiya. The residents, who are amateurs in the field of architecture, cleaned, surveyed, demolished, repaired, installed earthwork, arranged reinforcement, made formwork, poured concrete, and decorated the interior. For seismic reinforcement, a mouth-shaped reinforcing frame made of semi-rigid ramen noodles was inserted inside the existing framework, so that the building would not collapse even if it tilted. Through the DIY process, the residents became the most knowledgeable people in the house and acquired the ability to respond to changes in lifestyle and maintenance.

Japan | Kyoto

Jutakutokushu June 2011 issue 78P