hiroshi nakamura's ribbon chapel spirals above japanese resort
located in the grounds of a luxury resort in japan, this wedding chapel designed by hiroshi nakamura has been configured as a double spiral, formed of two separate stairways. in order to ensure sea views, the structure has been elevated above the trees, with an observation platform at a height of 15.4 meters offering sweeping coastal vistas.
image © koji fujii / nacasa and partners (also main image)
all images courtesy of hiroshi nakamura & NAP
in a reference to the union of marriage, the building’s dual stairways start at different locations before spiraling together to form one singular structure. the intertwining pathways also form the chapel’s roofs, eaves and walls, enclosing the central nave that contains seating for up to 80 guests.
the design is configured as a double spiral, formed of two separate stairways
image © koji fujii / nacasa and partners
in conjunction with a large oculus skylight, glass windows between the stairways allow the interior space to forge a close relationship with the surrounding environment, while minimizing dependance on artificial lighting. the building’s exterior is finished with painted timber panels clad with a titanium zinc alloy – a material resistant to damage from the sea breeze.
the reception hall can accommodate up to 80 guests
image © koji fujii / nacasa and partners
looking upwards at the centrally positioned oculus skylight
image © koji fujii / nacasa and partners
glass windows allow the interior space to forge a close relationship with the surrounding environment
image © koji fujii / nacasa and partners
the building’s exterior is finished with painted timber panels
image © koji fujii / nacasa and partners
the winding stairways take the bride and groom on separate journeys
image © koji fujii / nacasa and partners
an observation platform at a height of 15.4 meters offers sweeping coastal vistas
image © koji fujii / nacasa and partners
in order to ensure sea views, the structure has been elevated above the trees
image © koji fujii / nacasa and partners
the wedding chapel gently illuminated at dusk
image © koji fujii / nacasa and partners
project info:
name: ribbon chapel
completed: 2013
principal use: chapel
structure: S structure
site area: 2,500 sqm
total floor area: 80 sqm
building site: hiroshima, japan
structure design: ove arup & partners ltd
architecture in japan (606 articles)
TAPO builds horizon house on a japanese hillside to frame views of the ocean
organic design architecture studio uses steel bars to divide free office space in tokyo
IN studio builds wooden 'cultivable' house for family of farmers in japan
ryu mitarai & associates connects floors of house + restaurant in tokyo with curved staircase
ikimono architects divides areas of this japanese house using a wooden grid
ryue nishizawa shapes terasaki house around massive roof in japan
church architecture and design (150 articles)
atelier wagner extends st.margaret's eltham church with black cantilevered canopy
FCC arquitectura combines two curved walls for church in lagares, portugal
atelier rzlbd sinks a circular void and 100 chapels for church in rwanda
dbinstagram (92 articles)
héctor zamora and solo houses exhibit brick labyrinth in a natural gallery space
norberto miranda creates huge inflatable beans to host exhibitions in mexico
ryu mitarai & associates connects floors of house + restaurant in tokyo with curved staircase
hiroshi nakamura and NAP architects (10 articles)
hiroshi nakamura & NAP designs a pub and brewery built from recycled materials in a 'zero waste' town in japan
NAP architects completes aluminum-clad sayama forest chapel
NAP architects places nasu tee-pee residence in the japanese woodland
architecture news
WARchitect builds the skyscape apartment on a rooftop in bangkok
#architecture
the design team wanted to make the apartment feel like a borderless box that emerges out of nowhere in the sky.
the design team wanted to make the apartment feel like a borderless box that emerges out of nowhere in the sky.
zaha hadid architects completes topographical river promenade in hamburg
#architecture
the project was designed in response to the need for increased flood protection along the elbe river in hamburg.
the project was designed in response to the need for increased flood protection along the elbe river in hamburg.
norberto miranda creates huge inflatable beans to host exhibitions in mexico
#architecture
the inflatable structures have been formed to host music, science and cultural events for all ages in the village of papalotla.
the inflatable structures have been formed to host music, science and cultural events for all ages in the village of papalotla.
GEOM design stacks red bricks to build the façade of JPG coffee in china
#architecture
the 'take-out-only' cafe is designed to cater for the fast-paced urban context of zhujiang new town.
the 'take-out-only' cafe is designed to cater for the fast-paced urban context of zhujiang new town.
What a wonderful building!