takahashi ippei clads nursery school in japan with reflective paneling
all images © takahashi ippei office

 

 

 

in 2011, shichigahama tohyama nursery school in japan was severely damaged by the destructive earthquake that swept the region. in the wake of the natural disaster, architect takahashi ippei was chosen to restore the school, which is located in a quiet coastal area of the country’s miyagi prefecture.

takahashi ippei office shichigahama tohyama nursery japan designboom
the predominantly horizontal structure is organized around a centrally positioned open courtyard

 

 

 

adopting a low profile, the predominantly horizontal structure is organized around a centrally positioned open courtyard, while a number of adjacent semi-outdoor spaces connect the building with its external environment. the courtyard not only provides a secure place for children to play, but also ensures that internal spaces are brightly lit and constantly ventilated.

takahashi ippei office shichigahama tohyama nursery japan designboom
the building’s abstract form sports highly reflective paneling

 

 

 

the building’s abstract form is clad with reflective sheets, designed to challenge preconceived notions of educational establishments. at the front of the nursery, a lounge with a large retractable gate encourages local residents to congregate. in this way, the building not only provides for the region’s children, but also for the community as a whole.

takahashi ippei office shichigahama tohyama nursery japan designboom
the cladding seeks to challenge preconceived notions of educational establishments

takahashi ippei office shichigahama tohyama nursery japan designboom
the school was severely damaged in japan’s destructive 2011 earthquake

takahashi ippei office shichigahama tohyama nursery japan designboom
a number of adjacent semi-outdoor spaces connect the building with its external environment

takahashi ippei office shichigahama tohyama nursery japan designboom
the central spaces provides a secure are for children to play

takahashi ippei office shichigahama tohyama nursery japan designboom
the courtyard ensures that internal spaces are brightly lit and constantly ventilated

takahashi ippei office shichigahama tohyama nursery japan designboom
a lounge with a large retractable gate encourages local residents to congregate

 

drawings

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takahashi ippei office shichigahama tohyama nursery japan designboom
 
takahashi ippei office shichigahama tohyama nursery japan designboom
 
takahashi ippei office shichigahama tohyama nursery japan designboom
 
takahashi ippei office shichigahama tohyama nursery japan designboom
 

project info:

 

title: shichigahama tohyama nursery
architect: ippei takahashi + takahashi ippei office
location: shichigahama town, miyagi prefecture, japan
client: shichigahama town
site area: 5,512.23 sqm
total floor area: 1,069.45 sqm

 

collaborators
structural: konishi structural engineers
climatization & MEP: kankyo engineering
general constractor: matsui kensetsu K.K.
paintings for the pool and the sign: tomoko nagai + tomio koyama gallery
financial support: singapore red cross society
advisor: yasuaki onoda, archiaid