niji architects constructs inviting timber frame cafeteria in japan

focusing primarily on its function of bringing people together, the structure and its finishes have been kept simple to create a relaxing atmosphere.

Harada edited by shuhei senda November 28, 2013 2 min

niji architects constructs inviting timber frame cafeteria in japan
all images courtesy of masafumi harada/niji architects

japanese studio niji architects has intentionally designed this community cafeteria to appear robust, while still managing to create a relaxing atmosphere. located in ushimado, setouchi city in okayama prefecture, japan, the building serves as a canteen for a local construction company, as well as a cafe for the community. the structure and its finishes have been kept simple, focusing primarily on its function of bringing people together. a folded metal plate roof is directly fixed to the 3m grid timber structural frame, which consists of 120mm x 120mm planks used for the columns, foundations, bracings and 180mmx120mm timber beams – fixed directly to this are glass walls with wooden battens. featuring a large internal space with maximized external views, the highly transparent volume is both bright and inviting from the outside. this prefabricated timber construction method offers multiple possibilities for further developments.

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the building serves as a canteen for a local construction company, as well as a cafe for the community

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a folded metal plate roof is directly fixed to the structural timber frame

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the interior offers an inviting and relaxed atmosphere with full height windows

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view of the open-plan cafeteria

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a small space is provided for working out

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night lighting

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the full-height windows expose the interior from the outside

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evening view of the cafe

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wooden framework model

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ground plan

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section

project info:

project name: cafeteria in ushimado
location of site: okayama, japan
building area: 166.32m2
total floor area: 144.00m2
type of construction: timber structure
number of stories: 1f
building height: 3.37ｍ
principal use: shop(cafeteria)
project by: niji architects + ai design + ohno japan
principal designer: masafumi harada / niji architects
construction: ug giken
design period: august 2012 – december 2012
construction period: january 2013 – april 2013
structure: exposed timber structure
roof: folded metal roof
external façade: clear float glass t=10mm with glass film
window: wooden sash window and aluminum sash window
photos: masafumi harada / niji photo

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