yusutaka yoshimura architects: fukumasu base kindergarten

yasutaka yoshimura adapts warehouse into a kindergarten in japan
all images © yasutaka yoshimura

in ichihara, japan, yasutaka yoshimura architects have used a ready-made warehouse and wrapped the body in a translucent envelope. ‘fukumasu base’ is a kindergarten aimed to also be a community center for children and their families.

the brace structure is still visible and left exposed

with the help of HIBINOSEKKEI, Inc + yoji no shiro, who have conceived many kindergartens in japan, yasutaka yoshimura architects developed the interior program that accommodates to children of all ages and their families. inside the airy volume, an irregular shaped volume has been added that go up to two floors; this addition never fully reaches the full height of the ceiling or touches the outer boundaries. composed of timber, the addition is connected at the second level by a series of platforms that allow children to run freely. meanwhile the spaces below have been left minimal to allow adaptability. although the building has little to no windows, the kindergarten is constantly naturally lit due to the translucent envelope.

the kindergarten is located in ichihara, chiba

the kindergarten is based across two levels

the addition doesn’t touch the ceiling

upper level

the kindergarten includes a cafe, classrooms and a japanese room

triangular openings let light in

lower ground floor

the opaque nature of the façade allows natural light through at all angles

front façade

fukumasu base, yusutaka yoshimura architects

project info:

location: ichihara, chiba, japan
principal use: kindergarten
design and supervise: yasutaka yoshimura architects structural engineer: eisuke mitsuda structural consultants (wooden) / hasegawa sogo sekkei (steel)
adviser for kindergarten: hibinosekkei, inc + yoji no shiro
general contractor: hirai kensetsu / sanwa-kigyo corporation (tent warehouse)
category: newly built
completion date: mar/2016
structure: wooden + steel, 1 story, partly 2 stories
site area: 3,361.51sq.m
building area: 512.42sq.m
total floor area: 684.81sq.m
max height: 8,470 mm
photographer: yasutaka yoshimura