{"id":1069,"date":"2025-07-08T12:02:19","date_gmt":"2025-07-08T12:02:19","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.unlockhost.com\/?p=1069"},"modified":"2025-07-14T12:47:08","modified_gmt":"2025-07-14T12:47:08","slug":"they-turned-a-traditional-kyoto-townhouse-into-a-hub-for-creatives","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.unlockhost.com\/index.php\/2025\/07\/08\/they-turned-a-traditional-kyoto-townhouse-into-a-hub-for-creatives\/","title":{"rendered":"They Turned a Traditional Kyoto Townhouse Into a Hub for Creatives"},"content":{"rendered":"
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A photographer and set designer revitalized a pre-1950s machiya to connect travelers with local artistry, including photo books on display in the home.<\/p>\n

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In a historic neighborhood in Kyoto\u2019s<\/b> Nakagy\u014d Ward, structures elbow up against one another, including carpentry shops, centuries-old family pickle stores, and traditional machiya <\/i>townhouses, for which the city is renowned. One such home stands out with its freshly restored wood exterior and an artwork at the entrance that hints at what\u2019s now inside: a one-bed accommodation with a rotating photography library and gallery.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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Photographer Dominick Sheldon and set designer Whitney Hellesen look out from the upper level of their machiya<\/i>, or townhouse, in Kyoto, Japan. The couple renovated the pre-1950s structure as a photography library, gallery, and artist residency. With an eye to restoring traditional elements while injecting a touch of modernity, they added wood slats and yakisugi <\/i>panels to the previously nondescript upper facade.<\/p>\n

Photo: Satoshi Nagare<\/a><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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The house, known as 834 Mibu\u2014a combination of the land lot number and an abbreviation of the area\u2019s name, Mibugoshonouchicho\u2014was renovated by photographer Dominick Sheldon and set designer Whitney Hellesen. The couple, whose primary residence is in California, had wanted to create a space to exhibit photographic works and books and support other creatives. They initially imagined their concept taking shape on property they owned near Palm Desert but, after realizing it would be too costly, shifted to Kyoto, a city that they had become enamored of while honeymooning there in 2017. “We liked the idea of doing it in Japan because of the country\u2019s dedication to photography and craft,” says Dominick.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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Photo: Satoshi Nagare<\/a><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Outside, a contemporary rain chain from Seo is anchored by a stone wrapped in metal rope. “We thought the large stone was a nice organic touch to complement the stainless-steel chain,” says Dominick.<\/p>\n

Photo: Satoshi Nagare<\/a><\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

See the full story on Dwell.com: They Turned a Traditional Kyoto Townhouse Into a Hub for Creatives<\/a><\/b>
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