osamu tsukihashi: kiyotz

‘kiyotz’ by osamu tsukihashi + ARCHITECTS TEEHOUSE in tokamachi, niigata, japan all images courtesy osamu tsukihashi + ARCHITECTS TEEHOUSE image © sadao hotta

kobe-based practice osamu tsukihashi + ARCHITECTS TEEHOUSE has sent us images of ‘kiyotz’, a small public facility located near the drainage area of kiyotsu river in tokamachi, japan. conceived as a spatial tool for regeneration in the village, the design stands as a visual landmark at the entrance of the community.

within context image © sadao hotta

situated adjacent to the main arterial road into the village, the structure is comprised of four triangular volumes that are arranged in an offset manner. the individual peaks of each form creates a broken roof line that adds visual depth to the building, despite its exceptionally small size. the reinforced concrete shells overlap with each other to generate moments of open surfaces, which have been finished in translucent cladding to secure natural lighting throughout the structure.

interior view image © sadao hotta

while providing a continuous layout, the offset arrangement of the four forms define clear programs within the interior. two meeting rooms are placed side by side, allowing the users to expand the space when needed, while a small gallery and media room is accommodated by the northeastern volumes. since the conception of the project, the architects have been involved withe people of imokawa village to publish ‘kiyotsu (kiyotsugawa tsushin’, a free paper for the locals.

image © sadao hotta