Cloud architect builds wooden gathering kiosks in Japan
At the foot of the waterfall mountains Japan, Cloud Architects has created a relaxing meeting place that blends in with its surroundings. The project serves as an adjoining hot spring and campground auxiliary facility, taking the form of a circular two-story kiosk, supported by multiple facilities. wooden pillars and stores, restaurant, lounge area. It is a structure that adopts transparency so that you can relax and enjoy the scenic scenery. A hole in the center of the roof overlooks the sky, allowing residents to engage with the natural environment.
The project takes the form of a circular two-story kiosk supported by wooden pillars. images by Shuhei Imazu and Mafumi Ezoe
The built landscape becomes one with the natural environment
Designed by cloud architects (learn more here), the building is a place of rest, a place of communication, and a place to enjoy the charm of the region. On the 1st floor, there are shops that sell local specialties, a factory that processes local ingredients, a bakery, and a take-out restaurant. There is an outdoor rest area on the 2nd floor where you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the mountains.
The main design concept was to create a new landscape based on the natural environment, especially the local forests. This design helps the kiosk exist in harmony with its surroundings through openings and circular skylights that allow the occupants to become one with the sky. Sunlight penetrates the building and changes its character depending on the time of day.
The two-story building houses a takeaway restaurant, a small shop with local products, and a lounge area.
The sky can be seen through the hole in the center of the roof
The project is designed to blend in with the natural environment
There is a shop selling local specialties, a bakery, and a take-out restaurant on the first floor.
Sunlight penetrates the building and changes its properties depending on the time of day.
Project information:
name: architecture as landscape
architect: cloud architect
Design supervision: Mao Kawakami + Shuhei Imazu + Hiroaki Kitagawa + Kota Himeji (COCCA)
Structural design: Ryota Shimizu Structural Design Office
construction: red workshop
sign: Cooma
Landscape: Keisuke Uchida / Midori Design
photograph: Shuhei Imazu and Masashi Ezoe
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