A Private Villa Reimagining Kanazawa’s Vacant Spaces

A Private Villa Reimagining Kanazawa’s Vacant Spaces

YAZAWA is a private, single-unit rental villa born from a renovated vacant house in Nagamachi, Kanazawa. Here, guests immerse themselves in a lifestyle where "heritage meets modernity"—a balance cherished by the locals. Konel spearheaded the project planning, architectural art direction, and brand identity design.

Issue

Seeing Vacancy as "Urban Margin"

Kanazawa reportedly holds over 36,000 vacant properties. Rather than viewing these as abandoned structures, we redefined them as "Urban Margins"—spatial opportunities waiting to be filled. In collaboration with the Vacant House Research Institute, we set out to re-examine and manifest the true essence of Kanazawa through this lodging.

Creation

Staying at the Home of a Fictional Local

The guest experience centers on staying at the residence of "Mr. Yazawa," an imaginary Kanazawa resident. Every detail—from the curated bookshelves and artwork to the garden—reflects a deep-rooted local aesthetic.

By blending contrasting elements—the antique and the contemporary, tranquil stillness and city vibes, rustic charm and urban sophistication—this space offers a quiet encounter with Kanazawa’s modern allure, extending far beyond its historical reputation.