“A professor’s residence” It was built in 1927. Welcome to the Komai House. This building is also known as the Komai House. It is officially called the Komai House Residence Memorial Hall.
The Komai House is an example of modern western architecture. It was designed by William Merrell Vories. Vories designed it for Dr. Takusaburo Komai. He was a professor at Kyoto Imperial University.
In 2002, the Komai family donated the property. The Japanese National Trust now manages it. It is open to the public. The Komai House is a cultural asset of Kyoto City. It is also a protected property.
The Komai House includes a main building. It also has an attached building, a detached building, and a greenhouse. The first floor of the main building features a living room. This room was used in the NHK drama “Massan.”
To get here you can take the Eizan Electric Railway. Get off at Chayama Kyoto University of Art and Design Station. It is a seven-minute walk. You can also take the Kyoto City Subway. From Kitaoji Station, take bus number 204. Get off at Izumicho. It is a three-minute walk.
The Komai House blends American and Spanish styles. It has a wooden structure with two floors. The roof is gabled and covered with tiles.
William Merrell Vories was an American architect. He designed over 500 residences before World War II. The Komai House is a prime example of his residential work.
Vories came to Japan as a missionary. He later became an architect. He did not receive formal architectural training. Vories designed many homes for missionaries. He also designed for those involved in Christian education.
The Komai House is on a large lot. The main building is relatively small. The design incorporates outdoor elements. For example, the living room has windows. These windows offer views of the surrounding greenery.
Inside the Komai House are many storage spaces. The attic has a unique storage system. The stairs appear when a handle is turned. The Komai House also has a Japanese-style room. This was designed for the professor’s wife. She often wore kimonos.
The stained glass in the stairwell is memorable. It casts a sunset glow. These hidden touches make the Komai House special. William Merrell Vories paid attention to detail. This is evident throughout the Komai House. It supported his mass production system.
The Komai House is a unique blend. It combines Western design with Japanese elements. It shows the lifestyle of a Japanese scholar. The Komai House is a testament to Vories’ talent. It shows his ability to create comfortable homes.