# Tsuyama Hotel I & II Renovation by NAAD and studio tata Historic Japanese machiya townhouses transformed into boutique hospitality spaces in Tsuyama. - **Source:** [ArchDaily Global](https://brifing.si/source/b856ce4a-b51b-4705-954b-40620e034caa) - **Published:** 2026-11-12 - **Topic:** [culture](https://brifing.si/c/culture) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/3263a849-e6ff-4165-a1a5-9ab4575ad112 ## Historic District Transformation The Tsuyama Hotel I and II project involves the renovation of two traditional machiya townhouses located in the Joto district of Tsuyama, Japan. This area is historically significant for its preserved townscape along the former Izumo Kaido road. Architects Yoichiro Hayashi and Taichi Hirata led the conversion of these wooden structures. ## Dual Hotel Concept The development is split into two distinct buildings, each serving a unique function within the hospitality sector. Hotel I features a lobby and a gallery space, while Hotel II incorporates a cafe. Both buildings provide two guest rooms on their upper floors, maximizing the utility of the 318 square meter total area. ## Architectural Design Approach The design team, including Momoka Yamabe, focused on refurbishing the existing wooden structures to meet modern hotel standards while respecting the local architectural heritage. By utilizing wood and glass as primary materials, the architects balanced traditional aesthetics with contemporary interior design requirements, ensuring the buildings remain functional for modern travelers visiting Okayama. ## Project Specifications The renovation project covers a total area of 318 square meters and reached completion in 2026. The project was documented through photography by Yosuke Ohtake, highlighting the integration of new interior elements within the historic shell. The design emphasizes the preservation of the original wooden framework throughout the entire building process. ## Context of Machiya Architecture Machiya are traditional wooden townhouses that historically served as both residences and commercial spaces for merchants and artisans. By repurposing these structures into boutique hotels, the project prevents the decay of historic urban fabric. This adaptive reuse strategy is a common approach in Japan to revitalize aging districts without losing character. ## Impact on Local Tourism The introduction of these boutique hotels in the Joto district aims to attract visitors interested in cultural heritage and historic townscapes. By providing accommodation directly within a preserved district, the project encourages longer stays. This supports the local economy by integrating tourism infrastructure into the existing community layout of Tsuyama city. ## Material and Aesthetic Choices The architects utilized a material palette of wood and glass to bridge the gap between the historic exterior and the modern interior needs. The transparency of glass allows for natural light to penetrate the deep floor plans typical of machiya, while the wood maintains the structural integrity and warmth of the original design. ## Future of Urban Heritage This renovation serves as a model for how small-scale hospitality projects can contribute to urban conservation. By focusing on two specific buildings, NAAD and studio tata demonstrate that large-scale demolition is not necessary for modernization. Future developments in Tsuyama may follow this path to maintain the integrity of the Izumo Kaido. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.archdaily.com/1187432/tsuyama-hotel-i-and-ii-renovation-naad-plus-studio-tata — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._