This is a proposal for a Zen temple located in an old residential area in the suburb of Takarazuka city, near Osaka. All the primary functions of the institute: main hall, reception hall and the monksf residence are all to be renovated. However, the site is not large enough to build each function individually. The project is required to situate the main features within one structure and yet create atmospheres appropriate for each space at the same time. In addition, the flow from the new building to the existing graveyard needs to be considered as well. Placing the one-story main hall in the back of the west side of the property which faces the graveyard, the reception hall in the east, across the courtyard, and the two-story dwelling on top as the second and third floors, the idea becomes to create a kind of temple complex. The design seeks to be contemporary and not a copy of a traditional architecture, yet, maintain the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese temple building. In my understanding, the most important element for a temple is onefs encounter with the Buddha. The long eaves around the main hall surrounded by a water garden create a dark ceiling surface. In the center lays a wooden-shell structured large roof that has an opening facing the north side. The opening lets light shine in, through thinly sliced stone, from behind the Buddha statue. It is a way to embody the idea of encountering the Buddha profiled by the softly diffuse backlight. The dwelling for the monks sits above the reception hall in two stories. In order to meet the contradictory functions: being open to the neighboring environment and ensuring privacy as a private house in a dense residential area, I developed a new movable glass-wood-hybrid louver for the armoring.
Project Spotlight
Product Spotlight
News
Detail: sliding panels of natural pine protect a residential complex from the Mallorcan sun
Spanish architecture firm OHLAB has recently completed Paseo de Mallorca 15, a residential complex o... More
Snøhetta designs new extension for the world’s oldest ski museum in Oslo
Global transdisciplinary architecture and design practice Snøhetta has designed a new entranc... More
10 public buildings that demonstrate architectural applications of precast concrete
Precast concrete is made by casting concrete in a reusable mold. These molds are made of various mat... More
Sameep Padora & Associates creates a flowing, organic art center in southern India
Mumbai-based Sameep Padora & Associates (sP+a) has completed Hampi Art Labs in Toranagallu, a vi... More
Introducing Partner Thermory AS
Thermory AS offers a diverse product range that includes durable exterior cladding, decking, interio... More
Brooklyn Tower by ShOP Architects showcases a unique materiality
Brooklyn Tower, standing an impressive ninety-three stories tall with a unique neo-deco crown, is al... More
Doriana Fuksas, Martin Lesjak, Li Xiang and Steven Wright join Archello Awards 2024 jury
Doriana Fuksas, Martin Lesjak, Li Xiang and Steven Wright have been announced as Archello Awards 202... More
Vurpas Architectes converts former brick and concrete market into light-filled primary school in Lyon
The Eugénie Brazier school project in Lyon, France, undertaken by regional architecture studi... More