Former Honda Residence Wins Renovation Prize at 52nd Tokyo Architecture Awards

Kume Sekkei Co., Ltd. has announced that the 'Former Honda Residence' (Zushi City, Kanagawa), a project designed and managed by the firm, has been awarded the Renovation Prize at the 52nd Tokyo Architecture Awards. Organized by the Tokyo Association of Architectural Firms since 1974, this prestigious award honors exceptional architectural works in the Kanto-Koshinetsu region.

Completed in 1939, the Former Honda Residence is a Western-style wooden house designed by Gunkuro Kume, the founder of Kume Sekkei. It features the 'Kume-style earthquake-resistant wooden skeleton structure' developed by Kume himself. Despite facing severe deterioration, the firm took over the property in 2021 to ensure its preservation.

Key design objectives included: - Respecting original designs, materials, and construction methods. - Ensuring structural safety while maintaining the unique Kume-style skeleton. - Adding modern functionalities to support future community use, such as expanded kitchen and restroom facilities.

Restored with the expertise of Ikeda Construction and skilled traditional craftsmen, the building has regained its original splendor. Today, it serves as a 'living cultural property' and a hub for local activities across generations. This award highlights the project's success in blending historical preservation with contemporary social contribution.