Architecture of Preservation in East Asia – Tradition in Transition

Projects that interweave the past and the present emerge from a combination of artisanal precision, spiritual connection and the search for permanence. The following four projects particularly clearly demonstrate that preservation is not merely a nostalgic act, but a conscious step into the future.

Shokei Loh: Kominka Innovation Model House

In Kamiechigo, a region of Japan that experiences extreme snowfall, Nihon Saisei Inc. converted a traditional kominka (an old Japanese farmhouse) into a model house for sustainable living. The solid pillars and beams, made of the durable Zelkova wood, testify to the quality of the craftsmanship, which was designed to ensure longevity and resilience. Rather than replacing these structures, the project integrates state-of-the-art technologies to bring the original architecture up to modern living and safety standards. Specific problems such as poor insulation and seismic risks are addressed without distorting the building's identity. The project won the iF Design Award Gold in 2024 in recognition of its exceptional material quality, precise architectural detailing, and harmonious integration of interior organisation, landscape references, and adaptation to local climatic conditions.

Hoshino Shrine Covered Shrine

Located in Toyokawa, Aichi Prefecture, the Hoshino Shrine Covered Shrine is an award-winning protective structure for the main hall of the historic Hoshino Shrine. To preserve this delicate cultural heritage from the effects of time and weather, architect Shigetaka Mochizuki developed a protective wooden shell for the shrine. At the same time, the main hall of the shrine was restored and repaired. In addition to preserving the historical substance, special emphasis was placed on ventilation and earthquake safety. The reconstruction was based on a sustainable building concept that employed the traditional Ishibadate technique of anchoring wooden pillars directly into the ground. Modern structural calculations were employed to adapt this centuries-old method to contemporary safety standards. Completed in 2021, the project received the iF Design Award Gold in recognition of its exemplary handling of historical architecture and successful combination of preservation and contemporary design.

Kannon-Hall at Shorinji-Temple

The Shorinji Temple in Nara Prefecture is home to the Kannon Hall, a sacred space where the 8th-century, eleven-headed Kannon statue — one of Japan's most important Buddhist images — is worshipped. The statue was designated a cultural property later on. Built in 1959, the Kannon Hall as the first facility in Japan dedicated to the long-term preservation of a national cultural treasure, and it has undergone several restorations over the years. The most recent work was carried out by Akira Kuryu, Noriyoshi Kitagawa and Kazuki Ueda. With great restraint and respect for history, the hall was earthquake-proofed, and a new extension was built to facilitate access and bridge the gap between the past and today's worshippers. Traces of time have been deliberately left visible and contemporary interventions are clearly recognisable yet harmoniously integrated. The project, completed in 2022, was awarded the iF Design Award.

Tongling Recluse

In the north of Anhui Province in China, RSAA/Büro Ziyu Zhuang designed the Tongling Recluse project, which transforms an old farmstead into a contemporary retreat. Located on a mountain peak, the building had been uninhabited for over ten years and was heavily overgrown, with the roof and walls severely damaged. Instead of replacing the old structures, the architects carefully integrated the walls, tiled roof, and wooden elements into a restrained modern architecture. To expand the original building with its low structure, they added additional floors and a south-north extension. Sweeping forms create new, airy spaces that detach themselves from the original structure like an imaginary volume. The historical substance is protected, while modern interventions bring new quality of life. The Tongling Recluse was completed in 2017 and also received the IF Design Award.

These four projects from East Asia demonstrate that architecture can transcend mere preservation by respecting cultural heritage while opening it up to the future. Preserving the past creates new perspectives and keeps architecture alive as a cultural practice. The ability to recognise potential in existing structures and adapt them for future use is key to this.