FORM / kouichi kimura architects: cafe cross, japan

‘cafe cross’ by FORM / kouichi kimura architects, hyogo, japanimage © kei nakajimaall images courtesy of FORM / kouichi kimura architects

the quiet ‘cafe cross’ is a subtle composition of light and minimal slab by japanese firm FORM / kouichi kimura architects. the suburban residential site is an opportunity for residents to ‘invite [their] consciousness to the depth of imagination.’the building’s presence is emphasized by a dramatically sloped single-pitch roof aimed at evoking the solemn architecture of a church or impressive hall. the peak of the shed-like roof allows for a glazed cut-out in the facade wall. the aperture makes for the cafe’s interiors to be rendered by soft shadows and texture as natural sidelight catches the surface of a sprayed stucco wall, meant to recall abstract-expressionist action paintings. the exuberant gesture is made all the more powerful by the clear and simple use of light and materials throughout the space.

a ‘tall wall’ meets the peak of the pitched roof and organizes interior circulation image © kei nakajima

a minimal facade wall folds over the continuation of a expressively stuccoed wallimage © kei nakajima

entrance view image © kei nakajima

a bench along the abtract-expressionist stucco work created ample cafe seating image © kei nakajima

two views the natural daylight afforded by the strategic glazing image © kei nakajima

two views bench-wall unit  image © kei nakajima

(left): a view of the painterly wall and wooden bar (right): interior view toward a back room seating areaimage © kei nakajima

floor plan level 1

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