kengo kuma integrates natural hot springs into the oyu road station of kazuno city

kengo kuma presents the oyu road station, the winning entry of a design competition hosted by the japanese city of kazuno for the development of its tourist facilities. the area, characterized by natural hot springs, offers a cheerful and attractive lifestyle. with this in mind, kengo kuma proposed the design of a roadside ‘station’ to embrace crowds within the beauty of the natural landscape. this community center serves as a place for exchange between locals and visiting travelers. the project offers an initial attraction to kazuno city, promoting tourism and relationships with other regions across the country. after three years of construction, the project opened in 2018.

image © kawasumi, kobayashi kenji photograph office

titled ‘yunoeki oyu’, the kengo kuma-designed community center integrates the site’s famous hot springs. around the perimeter of the building, the naturally heated water from the springs is expressed in the form of accessible ‘footbaths’ surrounded by seating. internally, kuma utilized methods of wood bending, traditional to the region, in the fabrication of laminated rings-shaped elements. these stacked rings form walls which function as both partitions and shelves. this makes it possible to create a dynamic space that varies according to the required program. in addition to the station, the complex also includes a food market, a stage, and an open area of parkland.

image © kawasumi, kobayashi kenji photograph office

image © kawasumi, kobayashi kenji photograph office

image © kawasumi, kobayashi kenji photograph office

image © kawasumi, kobayashi kenji photograph office

image © kawasumi, kobayashi kenji photograph office

image © kawasumi, kobayashi kenji photograph office

image © kawasumi, kobayashi kenji photograph office

image © kawasumi, kobayashi kenji photograph office

project info:

title: yunoeki oyu (oyu station)
architect: kengo kuma and associates

location: kazuno-city, akita prefecture, japan

completion: april 2018

photography: kawasumi, kobayashi kenji photograph office