ciel rouge creation: centre thermal, muroto, japan

‘centre thermal’ by ciel rouge creation, muroto, japanall images courtesy of ciel rouge creation

unofficially dubbed the ‘three whales’, the ‘centre thermal’ by tokyo-marseille-paris-based firm ciel rouge creation recalls various marine motifs withthe completion of the three elliptical volumes that make up the thermal spas in muroto, japan. the cloister is located next to the utoco hotel and seawatercenter along the coast as the newest addition to the complex. the long expansive spaces form a sheltered seascape like a calm ocean bed, while the timber roof construction seems to follow the structure of an overturned hull or whale’s stomach. low white interior partitions provide a glimpse of the space overhead and emphasize the single continuous mass that stretches like a tent over the services inside. a horizontal band of glazing almost uninterruptedbut regularly spaced circular columns frames a horizontal view of the ocean in line with the horizon – cutting out the sky and immediate ground andpresenting the tranquility of the distant seas.

view to the exterior from the pool

long span timber roof structure visually stretches over all the interior program

independent interior walls partition off spaces

reception desk

entry area and lounge

tv room

view from the exterior

the ‘three whales’ in the site

site next to the utoco hotel and seawater center

construction