-Nagisa-no-Koban- SEA BRIDGE

Hiroshima, Japan
facade towards Shimanami beach
Photo © EPS
facade night view
Photo © EPS
view from the pontoon
Photo © EPS
cafe counter
Photo © EPS
bow-shaped counter
Photo © EPS
shared office area
Photo © EPS
picture window
Photo © EPS
sub entrance with washi art by Sakuho Ito
Photo © EPS
Children's book library with washi art by Sakuho Ito
Photo © EPS
special lighting through the water by Feel Lab
Photo © EPS
detail of multi colored wood flooring
Photo © EPS
detail of louver ceiling
Photo © EPS
detail of pendant lamp by Feel Lab
Photo © EPS
Architects
Environmental Planning Studio
Location
Hiroshima, Japan
Year
2021
Client
NPO法人 PLUS
Team
日本財団「渚の交番」プロジェクト

[design concept]
Creating a new focus of interest in the Shimanami Region

This is an attempt to bring an up-to-date look to the local beach which has often been bypassed by tourists.
The Innoshima island of Onomichi-city, Hiroshima, was historically one of the key junctions of the Shimanami Kaido (formerly a famous sea route of the Inland Sea, but now recognized as one of the premier cycling routes in the world) and prospered with its own unique culture and industries. But the island has slowly been losing its appeal to tourists. This facility is one of the projects called Nagisa-no-Koban (Sea Patrol Stations) undertaken by the Nippon Foundation across Japan. The client himself requested us to create a gathering place to revitalize the appeal of his native island.

The simple cube-shaped building set at the corner of a local park blends in with the beautiful beach. The building is completely clad in black slate, including the roof, except for the dark glazed front which is surrounded by a stylized angled timber architrave. The undivided 19mx15m interior space is going to be used as a lounge, a serviced office, a children’s book library and a café. The façade windows are designed to frame the seasonal views of the beach of the Inland Sea. The outdoor terrace will work as a viewing deck to watch ships coming and going.
We hope this venue will become a tourist site on Innoshima offering a place for visitors to enjoy the tranquil beauty of this remote island.

[credits]
architect: Ken Hashimoto/EPS
co-architect: Chisato Kihara
co-designer: Miki Takayama
structural architect: Takeyuki Gaino/G. Design
constructor: Hottagumi Co.,Ltd.
special lighting: Yasuhito Genma/Feel Lab
washi artist: Sakuho Ito
furniture: Wakaba Kagu

[data]
location: Hiroshima, Japan
project: 2019
completion: June 2021
building use: serviced office/lounge, cafe
structure: wooden construction
site area : 1205.96㎡
building area : 326.43㎡
net floor area : 319.24㎡
building coverage : 27.07% to 70%
ratio of building volume to lot : 26.48% to 400%
number of stories : 1

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