‘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.

 

 

ciel rouge creation: centre thermal, muroto, japanview to the exterior from the pool

 

 

ciel rouge creation: centre thermal, muroto, japanlong span timber roof structure visually stretches over all the interior program

 

 

ciel rouge creation: centre thermal, muroto, japanindependent interior walls partition off spaces

 

 

ciel rouge creation: centre thermal, muroto, japanreception desk

 

 

ciel rouge creation: centre thermal, muroto, japanentry area and lounge

 

 

ciel rouge creation: centre thermal, muroto, japantv room

 

 

ciel rouge creation: centre thermal, muroto, japanview from the exterior

 

 

ciel rouge creation: centre thermal, muroto, japan

 

 

ciel rouge creation: centre thermal, muroto, japanthe ‘three whales’ in the site

 

 

ciel rouge creation: centre thermal, muroto, japan

 

 

ciel rouge creation: centre thermal, muroto, japan

 

 

ciel rouge creation: centre thermal, muroto, japan

 

 

ciel rouge creation: centre thermal, muroto, japansite next to the utoco hotel and seawater center

 

 

ciel rouge creation: centre thermal, muroto, japanconstruction