Reviving Kyoto Vacant Houses into Machiya Hotels: Panasonic Conducts Trial Supply of Building Materials

Panasonic Housing Solutions Co., Ltd. (President and CEO: Masashi Yamada; Head office: Kadoma City, Osaka; hereinafter, the Company), in cooperation with Kyoto Amplitude Co., Ltd. (President: Akihiro Shudo; Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City; hereinafter, Kyoto Amplitude), has conducted a trial supply of building materials (flooring and interior doors) for the upcoming hotels, Ambiente Kyoto SUMI and Ambiente Kyoto KYO (hereinafter, the Hotels), scheduled to open in late June 2026 in Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City.

Background

Japan's vacant house problem is becoming increasingly serious due to the declining birthrate, aging population, population decline, and oversupply of housing. Abandoned vacant houses pose risks such as collapse due to deterioration, fire, illegal entry, and pest infestation, negatively impacting safety and the landscape. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' Housing and Land Survey (*1), the vacancy rate reached 13.8% in 2023, continuing an upward trend, and the number of vacant houses has approximately doubled over the 30 years from 1993 to 2023. In Kyoto Prefecture, comparing 2018 and 2023, the rate of change was +2.4%, also increasing. In response, Kyoto Amplitude has undertaken initiatives to revitalize vacant houses in Kyoto. They are renovating a vacant house in Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City, and plan to start operating it as a hotel in late June 2026. The renovation not only reuses the vacant house but also uses locally sourced timber from Kyoto City and employs local interior contractors, contributing to the region.

The Company supports this initiative and has supplied its products, mainly building materials, on a trial basis according to the hotel's concept. The Company's bathrooms and toilets have also been adopted.

The Company operates under the business slogan 'Creating a 'Forever' for Living. 'Green Housing',' addressing changing values and social issues to build a sustainable and prosperous society.

Property Information

Hotel Names & Locations

North Wing Hotel Name: Ambiente Kyoto SUMI Address: 43-2 Hinoshita-cho, Takakura-dori Manjuji-agaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City

South Wing Hotel Name: Ambiente Kyoto KYO Address: 44 Hinoshita-cho, Takakura-dori Manjuji-agaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City

Design: Design Guild Tokyo

Trial Supplied Products

- Plank-type flooring using cedar from 'Miyako Sometagi' (Kyoto City-produced timber) - Fittings using silk fabric glass

Plank-type Flooring Using Kyoto City-Produced Timber 'Miyako Sometagi' (Cedar)

For the purpose of promoting local production for local consumption, we supplied plank flooring using cedar from 'Miyako Sometagi,' Kyoto City-produced timber. This initiative was realized through deepening collaboration with Kyoto City via 'KYOTO CITY OPEN LABO' (*2). The surface cedar plank is hardened by applying a 'resin impregnation technology' under development, which applies our unique 'wood aging technology' that brings out the beauty of wood. This improves durability against dents and scratches that tend to occur when softwoods like cedar are used as flooring. Furthermore, this technology does not impair the natural texture, feel, or color changes over time, achieving a finish that highlights the unique grain and expression of natural wood, unlike printed wood grain expressions such as vinyl sheets. We will continue to collaborate with local governments, including Kyoto City, to promote environmentally conscious product development.

Silk Fabric Glass Fittings

Our interior door series 'AirView' features a design with large glass surfaces, bringing light and openness to interiors. The thin frame design creates a sense of openness and naturally connects spaces. The glass surfaces incorporate Kyoto-produced silk fabric provided by Kyoto Amplitude.

The glass surfaces offer a variety of options, including half-mirror glass and smoked glass, allowing selection based on the balance between privacy and daylighting. These fittings are suitable for areas where light is desired, such as partitions between common areas. In addition to design, a soft-close mechanism is standard for ease of opening and closing.

We will continue to develop products that meet diverse design needs, not only in residential but also in commercial and accommodation facilities.

*1 Source: Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, April 30, 2024, '2023 Housing and Land Survey, Summary of Housing Counts (Preliminary)'. *2 A public-private partnership window operated by Kyoto City to receive proposals from private businesses for solving social issues. https://open-labo.city.kyoto.lg.jp/

[Contact Information]

Panasonic Housing Solutions Co., Ltd., Building Systems Division, Non-Residential Business Promotion Department, Marketing Section Phone: 06-6909-7676 (representative)