A New Landmark: Tatsuya Kawamoto + Associates Redefines Community Space

In a visionary project by Tatsuya Kawamoto + Associates, a new landmark has been meticulously crafted to redefine the urban landscape. This ambitious endeavour, which harnessed innovative design and construction methods, utilized two sites on opposite sides of a road to create a seamless, integrated space. The complex includes a florist, a plant shop, and a café, transcending traditional site boundaries and treating the road as an intrinsic part of the unified landscape.

"The design includes a U-shaped glass façade that allows visitors to easily move between the garden and interior spaces. This see-through design makes the building accessible from any direction, creating a welcoming environment. To better connect the indoors and outdoors, the eaves extend 2.7 meters above the ground, creating a friendly intermediate area. This area is designed for relaxation and community engagement."

A significant challenge we faced was maximizing the spatial volume without partition walls. We were able to address this issue ingeniously by using the innovative 'stacked beam' method. This method involved local craftsmen combining three smaller beams on-site to create a longer beam, instead of using a single, expensive, large beam. This not only helped us work within material constraints but also highlighted the significance of local craftsmanship and the use of regionally sourced lumber.

The project is intensely focused on community involvement. The client's goal of creating a significant space was achieved with the help of local artisans, instilling a sense of pride and connection to the project. The materials and textures used in the building, such as natural stone roof tiles and custom-mixed interior plaster, were carefully chosen and crafted by local experts. A single craftsman spent over six months laying 20,000 pieces of natural stone on the roof, while rough stones collected over two years were thoughtfully integrated into the interior design.

One significant moment in the project's timeline was the use of an old piece of wood for the entrance door. This door, which was salvaged from a local building slated for demolition, required a new construction method. However, the local craftsmen rose to the challenge. They designed and installed the door on the spot, aligning with the design intent and the client's vision, and contributing to the project's sustainability and resourcefulness.

Over five years, the collaboration between the client and local craftsmen led to the creation of a new landmark in the town. This project showcases the strength of local craftsmanship and community teamwork, resulting in a functional complex that symbolizes collective effort and creativity. The project's timeline, from its inception to its completion, is a testament to the dedication and hard work of all involved.

LI City Library: A Reimagined Urban Cultural Hub in Tianmu Lake Resort

Liyang City's LI City Library, located in the Tianmu Lake Resort, showcases the transformative power of thoughtful design. Originally designed as an office building, the structure underwent a significant transformation, driven by the local government's vision to integrate dynamic social functions into the urban landscape. Today, the library not only provides a 24-hour accessible space for citizens and tourists to engage with literature but also functions as a shared cultural hub that enriches the community. The renovation, skillfully carried out by Greater Dog Architects, redefines the building's purpose, striking a perfect balance between modern functionality and cultural significance, and preserving its architectural integrity in a way that resonates with the community.

Architectural Reuse: Embracing and Evolving the Existing Framework

The building, which has three above-ground floors and one underground level, features a durable frame structure effectively repurposed to meet modern needs. More excellent Dog Architects utilized a strategy focused on reusing the building while redefining its spatial design. This approach not only preserved the building's historical significance but also reduced the project's environmental impact by minimizing the need for new construction materials. Removing the exterior walls and exposing the original beams and columns established a conversation between the old and the new. The addition of setback circular structural beams along the main facade transforms the building's exterior and reshapes the interior floor slabs, creating a seamless combination of preservation and innovation. This approach extends to the semi-outdoor entrance, set back from the main structure, where a deliberately extended circular traffic flow provides a peaceful buffer from the busy street outside.

Sustainability: Infusing the Building with Natural Light and Texture

The renovation focuses on bringing in natural light to open up the previously enclosed spaces. The frameless inner curved glass complements the strong frame structure, gracefully accentuating the building's architectural lines. The use of gray wooden tiles, meticulously re-dyed and pressed from recycled wood, gives the library a natural, tactile quality that harmonizes with its surroundings. A spiral staircase within a cylindrical space connects the main areas on each floor, optimizing the light flow and creating multiple links between the interior and the external environment.

Renewal: Enhancing Functionality for a New Era

The renovation of the LI City Library was not just about improving its appearance, but also about ensuring its readiness for a new era. The HVAC system from the early 1990s was upgraded to meet modern standards, and changes were made to the fire escape routes, lighting systems, and seismic capacity. The building's structure was reinforced to ensure its readiness for its new purpose. As a result, the renovated LI City Library, designed by Greater Dog Architects, is a modern and visually appealing structure that fits well with its urban surroundings and the natural beauty of the Tianmu Lake area. It now serves as a vibrant public space, meeting the community's needs for cultural engagement while preserving its historical significance. The renovation has given the library a fresh, dynamic identity that will ensure its relevance and vitality for years.

Gohee Inc - Tiny/Tsujido

In the serene Shonan area of Tsujido-Motomachi, Fujisawa City, nestled in the natural beauty of Kanagawa Prefecture, lies Tiny/Tsujido, a project by Gohee Inc. that brings a visionary twist to regenerative design. Anchored in the spirit of preservation, this multi-generational estate has remained within a single family for over three centuries. Now, with a new wave of development, the project reimagines this storied land with a focus on sustainable living and community cohesion.

Rooted in the principles of permaculture, Tiny/Tsujido is a thoughtful collection of four rental detached houses, crafted under a philosophy of "a life connected to the earth." Each residence embodies a commitment to minimal impact, encouraging residents to find unity in simplicity and reconnect with nature in a modern world. The project’s heart lies in its shared spaces: a central “common house” — a meticulously renovated 70-year-old building — invites residents to gather, fostering a village-like atmosphere that echoes the close-knit communities of Japan’s past.

The owner's main house, alongside a detached family residence and a three-family apartment complex originally built by the owner’s grandfather, complete the site’s spatial narrative. Here, new and old structures blend seamlessly, respecting both tradition and contemporary needs. The landscape is intentionally designed to flow with natural elements, encouraging seasonal appreciation and fostering a sense of place.

More than just rental homes, Tiny/Tsujido exemplifies Gohee Inc.'s vision of land stewardship, where the emphasis lies in preserving legacy, embracing ecological harmony, and nurturing a sense of communal well-being. This Sky Design Awards bronze project stands as a testament to thoughtful development that looks beyond profit, reminding us that the future of design may well be rooted in the mindful revival of our past.