zai shirakawa + hiroshi tomikawa: kanbara aluminum gatehouse in shizuoka, japan

zai shirakawa+ hiroshi tomikawa: ‘kanbara aluminum gate house’ in shizuoka, japan

photo © daichi ano

all images courtesy of zai shirakawa architects and associates

zai shirakawa architects and associates design a gatehouse and showroom at the factory of nippon light metal holdings,

manufacturer of the lightweight modular aluminum panels used in construction of this project, and wide range of other products.

unlike other showrooms that have small samples and photographs of their products in application, this one is a full-scale mock-up

illustrating the product’s capabilities. in combination with a structural metal framework and panelized insulation and finishes,

the panels can be used as horizontal or vertical cladding, creating a complete building system. the material comes in one width,

but the can be easily cut on site to accommodate window openings and other architectural elements. its sleek profile,

physical lightness, and intuitive assembly, result in great ease and speed of construction, which could transform the way of making buildings.

 the unassuming proportions and generous glazed create a welcoming atmosphere at night

photo © daichi ano

 the gatehouse is located at the entrance of the factory where the panels used in its construction were manufactured

photo © daichi ano

 this low-profile building contains security, a show room, a meeting space, and restrooms

photo © daichi ano

a composition of glass and panels are characterized by physical and visual lightness

photo © daichi ano

the show room is made of four distinct building composed in a harmonious pattern of solid and void, blending interior and exterior spaces

photo © daichi ano

 the light, but rigid material roof cantilevers maintain a thin profile.  

photo © daichi ano

the panels can be painted or inscribed for visual communication

photo © daichi ano

 roof edge detail illustrates the delicate profile

photo © daichi ano

 soffit detail

photo © daichi ano

the panels have a sleek profile and come in multiple finishes

photo © zai shirakawa architects and associates

assembling the panels

photo © zai shirakawa architects and associates

the lightweight aluminum will transform construction methodologies

photo © zai shirakawa architects and associates

 plan

image © zai shirakawa architects and associates

plan details cut through the window (above), and through the panels (below)

image © zai shirakawa architects and associates

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project info:

project: kanbara aluminum gate house

client: nippon light metal holdings company, ltd.

location: shizuoka, shizuoka, chubu, honshu, japan

use: waiting area and show room

architect:  zai shirakawa + tomikawa hiroshi (ai shirakawa architects and associates)

structure: aluminum panels by nippon light metal

lighting: mariko naito (komorebi design)

site area: 171,619.43 m2

building area: 72.44 m2

net area: 58,52 m2

max height: 2,639 mm

construction area sign: yokoyama hiroaki (morld)

construction: nippon light metal