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zai shirakawa organizes shingle-clad N village by the coast in japan

 

 

 

‘N village’ is a japanese architecture project shown as a collection of archetypal huts set by the ocean edge of east coast japan. designed by zai shirakawa architects & associates, the series of five varying sized structures individually host different programs including a cafe, surf shop and a meeting space, all of which located in otsuchi – a place renowned for surfing. the architecture sits on a raised platform and the uniform proposal adopts a pre-fabricated approach making the structures easily configurable to different programs. the original site was damaged from the devastating earthquake a few years ago and, after winning a competition, N village was realized.

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all images © koji fujii / nacasa & partners

 

 

 

the tokyo-based architects chose to wrap the buildings with a timber shingled envelope. furthermore, three of the five pavilions are organized purposely with a spacious gap in between to encourage an outdoor terrace and socialization between neighbors. orientated to face the sea and receive maximum daylight, the larger two of the structures is connected and organized across two levels with the architectural element centrally located, thus directing light, circulation, and movement.

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the original buildings were damaged by the earthquake

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each building is arranged with a space in between to encourage interaction between neighbors

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one side of the buildings faces the ocean

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the uniform and consistent design blends yet stands as a recognized scheme in the city

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natural light floods the interiors

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timber construction has been used throughout

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each hut individually hosts a different program

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the pitched scheme adopts a pre-fabricated approach

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the varying sizes embody a consistent design aesthetic

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seating has been placed outside

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the buildings illuminated by night

 

 

project info:

 

location: iwate, japan
use: meeting place, shop
completion: december, 2015
structure: timber
number of storeys: 2 storey
site area: 1662.00 sqm
building area: 216.10 sqm
architectural area: 276.85 sqm
structure: tatsumi terado structural studio
photography: koji fujii / © nacása & partners inc

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