tokorozawa nakadori project uses locally-sourced materials from japan

what appears to be a single-storey low rise building conceals an additional level due to the distinctive oversized roof. the project named ‘tokorozawa nakadori’, is located in saitama, japan where the commercial-serving building embodies a traditionally japanese character due to the material expression and the structure itself.

completed by plus maizumi architect and ukei shimada architect & associates, japanese clay tiles neatly tops the overhanging roof sitting onto of a curving wall made of vertical wood louvers. the gentle curvature of this wall connects the street and architecture, while the oversized clay roof invites natural light and views to the sky, becoming the characteristic feature of the building.

a play in textures is expressed throughout the project. the tiles seen on the roof are purposely charred unevenly to create a tonal effect, while different variations of the japanese cypress wood have been used for the louvers in the curving wall. furthermore, the nosing at the stairs in front space is crafted from salvaged material from a recently closed quarry in ogawa machi to create a split-stone texture. as a result, the combination of locally-sourced and japanese materials work together to foster a humble and inviting effect that inevitably attract the gazes of people walking by.

the japanese clay tiles have been charred to give an effect of a tonal contrast

the space inside serves as commercial projects

inside the building is composed o two storeys

different tones of japanese cypress wood has been used for the louvers

at night the structure is illuminated with LED

the gentle curvature of this wall connects the street and architecture

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