Visionary Architect Kengo Kuma Is Turning a Former Kyoto Teahouse Into a US$38 Million Home

Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, known for blending contemporary design with natural materials, light, and traditional Japanese craftsmanship, is converting a traditional former teahouse in Kyoto into an ultra-private residence. Known as the Silence, the project centres around the former Hasegawa Residence, a 200-year-old property in the Kamishichiken district that is now slated for a major restoration and redesign. The structure was rebuilt in 1828 and, over the decades, hosted writers, artists, and wealthy patrons.

Located beside the nearly 1,100-year-old Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, the property sits in one of the city’s oldest and most culturally important districts, an area known for its traditional tea houses, performing arts, and centuries-old hospitality culture. Kamishichiken is considered Kyoto’s oldest geisha district, where geiko and maiko—Kyoto’s traditional female performers trained in music and dance—still work today.

Rather than replacing the original architecture, Kuma aims to preserve much of the home’s layout and historic details. Plans call for a main residence, detached guest quarters, and a traditional kura storehouse that together span roughly 3,060 square feet. The two-bedroom compound will include a tea room, a reception hall, a water garden, and a spa and sauna.

Kuma, whose recent projects range from luxury resorts to museums and stadiums, is overseeing the architectural direction. According to project materials, his approach focuses on preserving the relationship between the centuries-old timber structure and the surrounding natural landscape through the use of light, shadow, wood, and stone.

Several Japanese artisans and heritage specialists are also involved in the restoration. The venerable temple-building company Kongo Gumi, founded in 578 AD, will oversee construction work, while teahouse carpentry specialist Nakamura Sotoji Komuten is handling the sukiya-style interiors, a traditional Japanese approach defined by minimalist spaces, natural materials, and design principles rooted in tea ceremonies.

Elsewhere, landscape designer Katsuaki Ogawa will create a new garden with covered walkways, water features, and seasonal plantings inspired by traditional Japanese gardens. The interiors will also incorporate furnishings from Armani/Casa.

Construction on the Silence is expected to begin in fall 2026, with completion slated for spring 2028. The property is currently available for 6 billion yen, or approximately US$37.7 million, with TonTon Inc. and Forbes Global Properties.

View more photos of Kengo Kuma’s new project in Kyoto below.

This story was originally published on Robb Report USA.

Images courtesy of TonTon Inc