Abstract
We present a case of total renovation of the dilapidated apartment building including only 8 dwelling units. The
renovation was carried out to improve the quality of the apartment in design as well as functionality. As a result, the renovated
apartment became more competitive in rental market, and increased profitability. Moreover, this renovation project attracted a lot
of interest of design-conscious young people.
An apartment building including a small number of dwelling units is thought to be difficult to save for a long time
because of a disadvantage in cost-effectiveness. Renovation of apartment building with no particular distinction seems not to
contribute to improving occupancy rate and to increasing profitability. We suggest that design and originality as well as
functionality in renovation should be important for long-term use of old apartment buildings and that strategic renovation could
also contribute to community revitalization.
