Panasonic renovates Kyoto vacant houses into hotels using local timber

Kyoto Amplitude and Panasonic Housing Solutions Co., Ltd. are renovating vacant houses in Kyoto into sustainable hotels. The project involves the trial installation of specialised building materials in two properties, Ambiente Kyoto SUMI and Ambiente Kyoto KYO, located in the city.

Japan faces a worsening crisis regarding abandoned properties, known as akiya. Kyoto Amplitude is leading the revitalisation of these properties. The renovation process prioritises regional contributions by using timber grown within Kyoto City and employing local interior contractors for the construction work. Panasonic Housing Solutions supports them by providing materials that align with the hotel’s sustainable concept.

A key feature of the renovation is the use of Miyako Somagi, a cedar timber sourced from Kyoto City. Panasonic applied a resin impregnation technology currently under development to the cedar flooring. This process hardens the soft coniferous wood to improve durability against dents and scratches. It does not impair the original feel or texture of the wood or its natural colour changes over time, achieving a finish resembling natural timber. This was facilitated through the KYOTO CITY OPEN LABO to promote local resource circulation.

The properties also feature AirView interior doors that incorporate traditional Kyoto silk. The silk fabrics provided by Kyoto Amplitude are sandwiched within large glass panels to create a sense of openness and light while maintaining a connection to local craftsmanship. The doors use slim frames and include soft-close mechanisms to ensure ease of use in a hospitality setting.

Panasonic Housing Solutions intends to continue developing products for commercial and lodging facilities that respond to sustainability needs.