In the sleepy fishing village of Misaki on Kanagawa Prefecture's Miura Peninsula, a remarkable transformation has taken place. Just two hours by train and bus from central Tokyo, Giselle Go and Philippe Terrien have converted a run-down house into a stunning weekend sanctuary that perfectly balances modern comfort with traditional Japanese aesthetics.
The couple, founders of the skincare brand Damdam, discovered the property in an advanced state of decay. Originally built by American post-war photojournalist Horace Bristol, the house possessed what Go and Terrien describe as "good bones" but required extensive renovation to realize its potential. Despite the challenges, they were immediately captivated by the sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and Mount Fuji that the location offered.
"We were immediately drawn to the sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and Mount Fuji. There's a feeling of openness here. It offers a rare mix of seclusion and vastness, which is what we need as a contrast to our busy, hectic lives in Tokyo," Terrien explained. The French-born entrepreneur, who established the Tokyo-based creative agency TFC after graduating from university in Japan, met Go when she was editor-in-chief at Harper's Bazaar Singapore. After their relationship blossomed, Go moved to Japan, and together they launched Damdam in 2019, creating skincare products that blend traditional philosophies with modern science using natural Japanese ingredients like shiso, uji matcha, rice, and willow bark extract.
To bring their vision to life, the couple enlisted Japanese architect Motosuke Mandai of Motosuke Mandai Architects. The 45-year-old architect, born in Kanagawa Prefecture and educated at the University of Tokyo, had previously worked at Junya Ishigami Architects before establishing his own firm in 2012. His recent projects include the Ring Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, a steel-membrane, bubble-like pop-up stage for the Japan Association.
"Our brief to Mandai-san was simple: restore the original home and honor its beautiful mid-century modern bones and Japanese details like the shoji (sliding paper screen) and the ranma (decorative wooden transom panel), as well as its natural geometry. We wanted an open plan with generous windows to let a lot of light pour in," Terrien shared. The architect's approach perfectly aligned with their vision, as they were attracted by his sensitivity to light and negative space.
Mandai's renovation strategy focused on integrating traditional Japanese house qualities with contemporary living standards. He replaced many of the ranma decorative wooden transom panels with glazing, transforming the house into what resembles a glass box that floods with natural light during the day and glows like a lantern at night. "The intent was to update the space into a bright and pleasant environment," Mandai explained.
The architect extended part of the engawa (veranda-like corridor) to create a new sunroom facing the sea and added a new bathroom on one side of the house. These additions were designed to weave domestic rhythms more intimately with the ocean and surrounding natural environment. The couple also requested a larger kitchen that opened onto an external deck for outdoor meals, as well as a separate ofuro (Japanese soaking tub) for long, relaxing baths.
Preservation played a crucial role in the renovation process. Many timber elements were restored whenever possible, including a timber ceiling that was carefully preserved. Mandai repeated this ceiling design in the newly built areas to ensure continuity throughout the space. Salvageable shoji sliding paper screens were kept, while new cedar flooring was introduced to refresh the interior.
The technical aspects of the renovation required careful consideration of durability and weather resistance. Mandai replaced the old roof with a new fiberglass-reinforced polymer one, which offers superior strength, durability, and resistance to rust, rot, and mildew. "Since the original house had a flat roof, we selected a material that would allow us to maintain that design," he explained, referring to the architectural narrative they wanted to preserve. The house's exterior cedar siding was treated with a preservative that allows it to age naturally over time, encouraging a weathered appearance that harmonizes with the coastal environment.
"Working on old structures is complicated, so it was important for him to find the right people for the job. When renovating old structures, highly skilled carpenters are essential. For this project, we collaborated closely with such experienced craftsmen to bring the design to life," Mandai shared. This attention to craftsmanship reflects his broader architectural philosophy of creating spaces that connect deeply with nature, history, and culture.
The interior design reflects the couple's personal taste and international influences. They filled the space with meaningful objects that transform it into a deeply personal retreat. The walls feature carefully selected artwork, including a washi (traditional Japanese paper) piece from Mino in the sunroom, where an Akari 1AG lamp by Isamu Noguchi animates a corner. In the living area, a Pumpkin armchair by Pierre Paulin for Ligne Roset has been upholstered in a tone that complements the surrounding timber.
The dining area showcases a blend of international design excellence. Classic Series 7 chairs designed by Arne Jacobsen for Danish brand Fritz Hansen surround an Airframe table by British architect David Chipperfield, both selected in natural wood finishes to match the home's aesthetic. A Chipperfield-designed coffee table also sits in the living area, personalized with a new tabletop by woodworking company Timber Crew after the original was damaged. The company joined two slabs of hemlock wood using traditional iron Japanese joinery craft called chigiri. Above the dining table, a Flowerpot Verner Panton 1968 pendant lamp from Tradition provides illumination.
For both Go and Terrien, the house represents much more than a weekend escape—it embodies deeply personal connections to their past and dreams for the future. "I grew up in Brittany in western France. The sea is a familiar landscape for me, so I was immediately drawn to the rocky coast here; it reminded me of home," Terrien shared. He frequently tends to the garden outside the house, noting, "I also grew up with a garden—something that's harder to have in Tokyo—so having outdoor space was essential when we looked for a weekend home."
For Go, the house represented the realization of a long-held dream. "I grew up in the Philippines and spent much of my time in urban cities like Manila, Singapore, Hong Kong, and now Tokyo. Because of that, I had a deep desire to be close to nature and to create a slower rhythm of living," she explained. The contrast between their compact, efficient Tokyo home shaped by the city's pace and their expansive seaside retreat allows them to experience the best of both worlds.
The house serves as more than just a personal retreat—it provides crucial inspiration for their business ventures. "This has become one of the best places for us to think, write, test ideas and work on Damdam. Being here helps us reconnect with what the brand stands for: Japanese craft, purity of ingredients and the beauty of slowing down," Terrien noted. "We have several launches and collaborations ahead, and being in nature grounds our creative process. The textures, scents, landscapes and small rituals here often inspire new concepts and ideas."
Their weekend routine reflects their commitment to the slower pace of life that drew them to Misaki. "We live in Tokyo during the week and like to come here every weekend. A typical day here begins with coffee in the sunroom before Zoom meetings and work. Depending on the season, the rest of the day is spent in the garden or by the sea, followed by a lot of cooking by Philippe in the evenings," Go described. "Also—long baths and a fire in the winter, playing music and hosting dinners with neighbors and friends."
The couple has successfully integrated into the local community, transforming their weekend retreat into a hub for social connection. "Most weekends, we host small dinners, have friends stay over, spend time with neighbors who either live next door or keep their boats at the marina nearby," Terrien shared. Their involvement extends to participating in local traditions: "We love going to the market and being in town for the festivities during matsuri (festival) season. There's a wonderful community here—respectful, warm and always looking out for one another."
The transformation of this once-dilapidated house into a luminous sanctuary demonstrates how thoughtful renovation can honor architectural heritage while meeting contemporary needs. Through their collaboration with architect Motosuke Mandai, Go and Terrien have created a space that seamlessly blends mid-century modern design with traditional Japanese elements, proving that the most successful renovations respect the past while embracing the future. Their weekend home stands as a testament to the power of architecture to facilitate not just shelter, but genuine connection—to nature, to community, and to a more meaningful way of living.
