A project to breathe new life into a 49-year-old wooden house. This small building, topped with a striking blue traditional Japanese tile roof, quietly sits at the end of a narrow driveway. Its façade, peeking out from the alley, had a certain charm despite its age—enough to convince us to buy it. At the same time, the house came with its challenges: leaking roofs, termite damage, and an outdated seismic standard. We began by reinforcing the structure, focusing on the first floor, while addressing dampness under the floor and improving insulation and airtightness—laying the groundwork for a comfortable and resilient home. The once dark and heavily partitioned first floor was then completely reorganized. Walls were removed to create a simple, open layout combining the living-dining-kitchen area with the wet zones. Large windows facing the courtyard now let in soft light and gentle breezes, transforming the space into a bright, airy living environment.