ROOVICE has brought new life to an old neglected house in Shimada, Japan, transforming it into a bright office space.

The studio repaired both the original house and an extension which was added later. The complex renovation work included the replacement of rotten wooden parts and of the rusted steel panels on the facade and roof. At the same time, the team redesigned the interior spaces and re-distributed the programs to create a more open floor plan.

The architects sought to add the structure a bright, light, and transparent atmosphere, welcoming guests into a pleasant working environment. However, they decided to keep the original washbasin in the same location where it was in the first place. Not only because it is preserved in a surprisingly well state, but also because it has a crucial part in linking all the different time periods in which the dwelling has been built. The washbasin left is a testimony of the past, and together with the structure of the 100-year-old core, is now a part of the contemporary design where the beauty of renovation takes place.