ReNO A Motosumiyoshi: Comprehensive Update

In Japan, the lifetime of buildings is very short, they often get scrapped and rebuilt after 30 to 40 years. Recently, however, there are movements to enlarge the market for not only newly built, but also quality pre-owned condominiums, and to extend the lifetime of such residential buildings.

Previously owned condominium residences have the following advantages: 1) Prices are less expensive, 2) Prices depreciate less than new construction, and 3) Conditions of the management, maintenance and residents are already known. As for asset value, prices tend not to drop for properties located in proximity to a city center with conveniences and in a good neighborhood environment. In addition, unlike units ready for sale, renovation allows a layout and interior finish to match personal tastes.

However, renovation for a preowned condominium unit purchased privately extends only to the proprietary space. It is impossible for a single owner to order work like seismic reinforcements personally for an entire building, even if so desired for a nearly 30-year old property. Such renovation work must be handled by a committee representing all of the residents.

The comprehensive building renovation by ReBITA takes a unique approach by purchasing an entire building of multiple dwelling units previously occupied as corporate housing or rental apartments, then refurbishing, updating the facilities, completing reconstruction like seismic reinforcements within the proprietary space, which individual owners and even the condominium committee find hard to implement, and then selling the individual condominium units. With this system, all proprietary space can be stripped down to structural concrete. It is therefore possible to implement seismic reinforcement work to all proprietary space, which would be quite difficult for a property with occupancy.

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Materials provided by Akira Koyama + KEY OPERATION INC. / ARCHITECTS