Kawarayu Onsen Asobi no Base NOA by NOMURA Co.,Ltd.
Kawarayu Onsen Asobi no Base NOA (NOA) is a communal complex located in Gunma Prefecture in the northern part of Tokyo. The area is a tourist spot known for Kawaharayu Onsen hot spring with its history over 800 years. The local residents were faced with a relocation to avoid submersion as a result of new Yamba Dam operation in In April 2020, in the Agatsuma River. The purpose of this project was to create a facility that would play a central role in local development. We worked closely with local people, while giving consideration to functionality and sustainability, in order to rebuild their lives in the new land where they moved.
The design theme of the entire facility is the Agatsuma River, and the structure of the facility is divided into upper and lower levels with the JR Agatsuma Line as the boundary. Taking advantage of the fact that the upper part of the site is narrow and long in the east-west direction, we put the symbolic slope with a gentle curve resembles the flow of the river. The slope naturally is a universal design without elevators, and less cost. In addition, it has a gallery function, and it is designed with a balanced intake of external light along the way, and with a convenient versatile access to each area. It is a reminiscent of the former Kawarayu hot spring town. The building with high visible four outer surfaces, we rendered elaborated work on not to expose equipmentnormally hide behind.
In addition, the design represents the state of the area being relocated due to the construction of the dam - as if it were floating on a river in a boat. The building on the upper part is shaped diagonally along the short side to imitate the shape of a boat and overhangs the slope of 45 degree, and houses a cafe, hot spring, multi-purpose community spaces, and tourist information center. The deck with a good command of the dam lake, the mountains and the starry sky at night is modeled after the ship deck, the toilet is made of round window and fabric that shows the flow and fluctuation of the river.
The lower part is a campground which also incorporate river-inspired design elements, and visitors can enjoy BBQ, open fire, wood bath, tent sauna, canoeing on the dam lake and kayaking.
We hope that this facility is loved by the local people, and to become the center of local development like the former Kawarayu district once was.
