‘patisserie uchiyama’ by takato tamagami, higashi kiryu, gunma, japan image © masaya yoshimura all images courtesy of takato tamagami

a 90-year old textile factory in kiryu of gunma, japan was refurbished and transformed into the ‘patisserie uchiyama’ by tokyo-based takato tamagami. previously concealed by past renovations, the ‘saw-shaped’ roof was maintained and celebrated, bringing attention to the prevalent architectural element found in the neighborhood. recognizing it’s historical qualities as a cultural asset, this gently sloping form became the point of departure for the contemporary update.

a south-facing transom window is revealed by wooden columns which lifts the ridge of the vintage and undulating roof plane. at night, the canopy reveals illumination from the interior, enhancing the roadside shop’s visibility.

takato tamagami: patisserie uchiyama - 2 western elevation reveals the original saw-shaped roof image © masaya yoshimura

takato tamagami: patisserie uchiyama - 3 transom window formed by the column-supported roof ridge faces the south image © masaya yoshimura

takato tamagami: patisserie uchiyama - 4 entry positioned beneath the saw-shaped roof image © masaya yoshimura

takato tamagami: patisserie uchiyama - 5pastry display + counter images © masaya yoshimura

takato tamagami: patisserie uchiyama - 6image © masaya yoshimura

takato tamagami: patisserie uchiyama - 7image © masaya yoshimura

takato tamagami: patisserie uchiyama - 8 staggered stepping stones pave the terrace image © masaya yoshimura

takato tamagami: patisserie uchiyama - 9 shop interior image © masaya yoshimura

takato tamagami: patisserie uchiyama - 10 entry at dusk image © masaya yoshimura

takato tamagami: patisserie uchiyama - 11 saw-shaped roof reveals internal illumination at night image © masaya yoshimura

takato tamagami: patisserie uchiyama - 12 image © masaya yoshimura

takato tamagami: patisserie uchiyama - 13 terrace at night image © masaya yoshimura

takato tamagami: patisserie uchiyama - 14 floor plan / level 0

takato tamagami: patisserie uchiyama - 15 sectional perspective

project info:

project name: patisserie uchiyama address: higashi, kiryu, gunma design company / architect: takato tamagami architectural design / takato tamagami construction: ichikawa construction co., ltd. photographer: masaya yoshimura scope of work: architectural renovation client: patisserie uchiyama principal use: patisserie total floor area: 299.31m2(construction part), 682.32m2(total)
finish material: floor: travertine / woven vinyl flooring wall: emulsion paint / plastered walls  ceiling: emulsion paint construction period: 2010.8.17～2010.12.22