| Architect | Kikkawa takuya／NASCA |
|---|---|
| Structure | w |
| Size | 1F |
| Area | 422.331㎡(既存改修)、60.48㎡(増築) |
| Completion | 2026.02 |
Yagura Zyaya, Roadside Station Kyonan
The site is located in Kyonan Town, Chiba Prefecture. This is a renovation project for ‘Roadside Station Kyonan’, situated approximately 2 km from ‘Roadside Station Hota Elementary School’, which we designed. The existing facility, which opened in 1985, houses a range of tenants including restaurants and a local produce shop; however, as the main entrance faces north and receives little sunlight, combined with the effects of ageing, it gave visitors a rather closed-off impression. This project aims to renovate the space to make it brighter and more open, thereby creating a new sense of vitality.
First of all, by removing the external walls and ceiling of the existing corridor space, we have improved access to the individual tenants whilst transforming the design into an open-plan layout that exposes the timber structure. The newly created space extending in front of this area required a column-free zone to accommodate a variety of activities. To achieve this, the structure was designed using only standard 105mm square timber, taking into account both workability and cost. The basic unit consists of two columns joined together, whilst areas subject to high loads utilise ‘joined columns and beams’ comprising three or more members to optimise strength and rigidity.
Joints are made using bolts and wood screws rather than specialised metal fittings. At the column bases, bending restraint is ensured by spacing the connection height from the adjacent reinforced concrete uprights, whilst at the column heads, stability is maintained by wrapping the columns and providing beam connections at both ends. Furthermore, whilst the concrete for the stem column is based on a 105mm square section to match the 105mm square timber, standard reinforcement would result in insufficient cover thickness; therefore, a ‘welded integral steel frame’ with a galvanised coating has been fabricated and installed.
This structural form, derived through repeated verification with the structural engineer, transcends the realm of a mere skeleton and is sublimated into an organic ‘Yagura (wooden pergola)’ that envelops the entire space. This yagura also serves as the motif for the signage scheme, forming a consistent design through a lattice-patterned logo and vertical typography. Furthermore, by incorporating graphics from Ukiyoe prints-including ‘The Beauty Looking Back’, housed in the adjacent Hishikawa Moronobu Ukiyoe Museum-the branding creates a sense of unity between the local history and culture and the space itself.
Within the scaffold-like space, tables for enjoying lunch, a standing counter offering views of the mountains, and swings for children to play on have been arranged, all crafted from 105mm square timber matching the main structural members. The wooden frames, extending horizontally and vertically to form the Yagura, provide support for various events and everyday activities in the square, creating a variety of spaces for people to gather. Through the texture of the timber structure, old and new elements resonate with one another; this place, where people of all ages can spend time as they please, brings a new vibrancy enveloped in warmth to the entire facility.
It has been approximately ten years since the completion of ‘Roadside Station Hota Elementary School’. Next year, as part of the facility’s business strategy, a comprehensive plan for the entire town-including this ‘Roadside Station Kyonan’-is scheduled to be formulated. We do not view our role as ending with the design; rather, by continuing to be involved in the operation and strategy even after completion, we aim to be partners in jointly shaping the town’s future.
Photos: Asakawa Satoshi