single-slope roof forms open terrace for studio velocity’s japanese beauty salon

Studio Velocity’s Beauty Salon in japan 

Situated in Kakamigahara City, Japan, the new beauty salon designed by Studio Velocity finds its place amid a serene natural environment. The salon’s design embraces the city’s setting, where the Nagara River flows northward and the Kiso River winds southward, making it a location surrounded by water and woodland, including the Kakamigahara Alps Nippon Line Unuma Forest.

Kakamigahara City’s tap water is sourced from underground wells situated 20 to 40 meters below ground. Thus, the design team has accordingly shaped up the salon’s landscape to expose the groundwater to the surface, creating a water basin that is an integral part of the local water cycle. Free well water is regularly replenished in the basin and also used to nurture the ‘small forest’ that envelops the structure.

an observation terrace open to the community

The ‘small forest’ surrounding the salon serves a dual purpose, providing a sense of privacy for the clients while allowing natural light and scenic views to filter through thanks to its expansive glass walls. The ground floor houses essential beauty salon features, such as a reception area and haircutting spaces, offering an airy and inviting environment.

Upstairs, under a single-slope roof, the architects at Studio Velocity have formed an open, wall-free terrace that embraces the elements, natural light, and the surrounding greenery to create a refreshing and spacious environment. This space is accessible to clients for relaxation and interaction while waiting at the salon, as well as for enjoying coffee and taking in the view. Additionally, salon staff can use this area during their breaks.

The load-bearing walls, typically found in traditional structures, have been replaced with wooden braces, infusing the space with a sense of openness and fluidity. In the short direction, the climbing beams of the single-slope roof were used as diagonal members instead of braces, eliminating the need for load-bearing walls that separated the longitudinal spaces. In the longitudinal direction of the underwater side, the pillars are passed through, allowing the pillars to withstand bending, so bracing can be omitted.  

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project info:

name: Beauty Salon

architects: Studio Velocity

location: Kakamigahara City, Japan