yang zhao completes home-for-all in kesennuma, japan

the sixth cycle of the ongoing rolex mentor and protégé initiative sees chinese architect yang zhao collaborate with kazuyo sejima of SANAA. for one year yang zhao made eight trips to japan, examining the work of sejima and creating, under her guidance, a structure which forms part of the ‘home-for-all’ project. launched by toyo ito and other leading japanese architects, the venture is designed to renew and revive areas affected by the he 2011 tsunami. the project in kesennuma serves as a center for the local population, providing a new gathering space and shelter where fishermen can rest and congregate.

image by jonathan leijonhufvud / all images courtesy of zhaoyang architects
main image by hisao suzuki

the majority of the pavilion opens out to the surrounding landscape, while the three enclosed areas feature elevated benches which are oriented towards the center of the void. cut into the roof is a triangular shaped hole which presents ever-changing views of the sky. the glazed kitchen features sliding doors that can be opened fully in pleasant weather, while the nearest room to the water can be utilized as an ‘engawa’ – a space underneath the eaves, important in japanese architecture.

enclosed areas feature elevated benches which are oriented towards the center of the void
image by jonathan leijonhufvud

allowing vehicular access during market hours, the surrounding ground is paved to the same level as the interior. the precise geometry of the canopy creates a dome-like volume which ensures a warm and protective atmosphere. the transparent nature of the project creates a open and inviting pavilion, open to the public throughout the year. at night, the illuminated structure glows gently in a similar manner to a lighthouse – waiting for fishermen to return home.

for more information on the ‘rolex mentor and protégé initiative’ see designboom’s previous coverage here.

image by jonathan leijonhufvud