niji architects constructs inviting timber frame cafeteria in japan
all images courtesy of masafumi harada/niji architects

 

 

 

japanese studio niji architects has intentionally designed this community cafeteria to appear robust, while still managing to create a relaxing atmosphere. located in ushimado, setouchi city in okayama prefecture, japan, the building serves as a canteen for a local construction company, as well as a cafe for the community. the structure and its finishes have been kept simple, focusing primarily on its function of bringing people together. a folded metal plate roof is directly fixed to the 3m grid timber structural frame, which consists of 120mm x 120mm planks used for the columns, foundations, bracings and 180mmx120mm timber beams – fixed directly to this are glass walls with wooden battens. featuring a large internal space with maximized external views, the highly transparent volume is both bright and inviting from the outside. this prefabricated timber construction method offers multiple possibilities for further developments.

 

 

niji architects constructs inviting timber frame cafeteria in japan
the building serves as a canteen for a local construction company, as well as a cafe for the community

 

 

niji architects constructs inviting timber frame cafeteria in japan
a folded metal plate roof is directly fixed to the structural timber frame

 

 

niji architects constructs inviting timber frame cafeteria in japan
the interior offers an inviting and relaxed atmosphere with full height windows

 

 

niji architects constructs inviting timber frame cafeteria in japan
view of the open-plan cafeteria

 

 

niji architects constructs inviting timber frame cafeteria in japan
a small space is provided for working out

 

 

niji architects constructs inviting timber frame cafeteria in japan
night lighting

 

 

niji architects constructs inviting timber frame cafeteria in japan
the full-height windows expose the interior from the outside

 

 

niji architects constructs inviting timber frame cafeteria in japan
evening view of the cafe

 

 

niji architects constructs inviting timber frame cafeteria in japan
wooden framework model

 

 

niji architects constructs inviting timber frame cafeteria in japan
ground plan

 

 

niji architects constructs inviting timber frame cafeteria in japan
section

 

 

project info:

 

project name: cafeteria in ushimado
location of site: okayama, japan
building area: 166.32m2
total floor area: 144.00m2
type of construction: timber structure
number of stories: 1f
building height: 3.37ｍ
principal use: shop(cafeteria)
project by: niji architects + ai design + ohno japan
principal designer: masafumi harada / niji architects
construction: ug giken
design period: august 2012 – december 2012
construction period: january 2013 – april 2013
structure: exposed timber structure
roof: folded metal roof
external façade: clear float glass t=10mm with glass film
window: wooden sash window and aluminum sash window
photos: masafumi harada / niji photo 

 

 

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