The site is located in the centre of the shopping district Marumori. It had been closed for 40 years and was owned by famous wealthy merchant in Tohoku. When SHAA visited there, the consultation about the utilisation of the premises was received from the town, and SHAA participated in this project by chance. Various specialists and teams were appointed and surveying of the building and an investigation of the furniture was started.
The basic policy for utilisation of this premises was proposed. This was based on the following results:
1. It is improved as a museum in order to hand down the history of the town to posterity.
2. It is linked with revitalisation of the shopping street and contributes to the character of the street.
3. The role of the building as a base for the sightseeing network of the town is given.
The progression of the plan was ensured by the establishment of a workshop where various specialists and townspeople collaborated. The building was restored by local carpenters and masons. The principle was to employ the traditional style in the conversion therefore local materials and traditional construction methods were applied.
Location: Marumori, Miyagi,Japan
Principal use: Local museum of warehouse
restored from old residence
Finished time: 1988.5
Site area: 1.035 m²
Total floor area: 741 m²
Structure: wooden structure
Dozoh ; 2 stories
