takuyahosokai immerses niigata community center within the natural landscape

tokyo-based practice takuyahosokai has completed the design of ‘plate’ — a community building in niigata capable of hosting a variety of different functions. occupying 4,500 square meters, the single storey structure is located within a rural area, surrounded by trees and native vegetation. the scheme consists of a market that sells locally sourced produce, and a restaurant that exclusively serves dishes made from the same regional ingredients. an event space that hosts exhibitions and concerts is also included.

all images by naomichi sode

the building is oriented to appear as if it is submerged in the forest, allowing its occupants to retreat from their everyday lives. set amid ancient trees, visitors can enjoy the sight of roots emerging beneath their feet and leaves flourishing overhead. the structure’s formal concept is derived from the region’s elongated roofs, designed to shift heavy snowfall. this canopy connects each part of the design: the market, the kitchen, and the event space. the roof can also be expanded to accommodate the site’s future growth. ‘the project will retain a sense of ordered chaos,’ explains architect takuya hosokai. ‘the architecture will grow organically as it is passed on to future generations.’

the single storey structure is located within a rural area of niigata

the building employs typical methods used in constructing single-storey wooden homes. widely utilized materials, such as metal brackets and joints, are carefully selected and positioned with respect to both the spatial and structural requirements. although seismic activity was a concern, it was more important that the east and south facing walls provided clear, unobstructed views of the forest. the gable walls have been designed to transmit seismic forces from the roof plane by forming a truss with the ridge beams.

the building employs typical methods used in constructing single-storey wooden homes

the scheme is surrounded by trees and native vegetation

the restaurant serves dishes made from locally sourced ingredients

visitors can enjoy the sight of roots emerging beneath their feet and leaves flourishing overhead

the structure’s formal concept is derived from the elongated roofs common to the region

the canopy can be expanded to accommodate the project’s future growth

the structure is surrounded by trees and native vegetation

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project info:

name: plate
location: niigata, japan
architects: takuyahosokai
design team: takuya hosokai, satoshi hasebe, james hull
project year: 2015
site area: 4,500 sqm
building area: 267 sqm
photography: naomichi sode