The Edge of the Wood in Miki, Japan by Matsuya Art Works / KTX archiLAB

Article source: Matsuya Art Works / KTX archiLAB

How can architecture represent a culinary concept? The Edge of the Wood is an attempt to respond to this question. The owner, Inami Koro, an Udon restaurant in Miki City, is reinventing the traditional Japanese thick noodles dish while keeping the common techniques for preparation. The new building reflects their approach by revisiting the traditional Japanese wooden constructions.

South-Facade, Image Courtesy © Stirling Elmendorf

• Architects: Matsuya Art Works / KTX archiLAB
• Project: The Edge of the Wood
• Location: Miki City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan
• Photography: Stirling Elmendorf
• Head Architect Designer: Tetsuya Matsumoto
• Built Area: 318sqm
• Completion: April 2018

Main-Night-shot-of-south-glazed-facade, Image Courtesy © Stirling Elmendorf

Even for nowadays, most wooden residential architecture in Japan use the same “conventional construction methods”. The challenge was to employ the same techniques to build a space that looks completely new. Using these techniques guarantees two aspects. First, any constructor can make the building without any special advanced skills or technologies. The second point is to keep the price low, as low as basic housing prices. just a few adjustments were enough to gain a refreshing aspect of the building.

General-view, Image Courtesy © Stirling Elmendorf

General-view-night-shot, Image Courtesy © Stirling Elmendorf

The main change was on the cross section of the general roof decking. The roof gradient and flat ceiling was reversed by rotating them around the eaves, making the roof almost flat, with only 3% slope for rain water evacuation. The result is a lighter roof shape while keeping enough space for the structural elements. The second change was to replace the dark wooden walls by frameless clear glass, providing more daylight inside the shop and contributing making the roof seem even lighter.

The-entranceImage Courtesy © Stirling Elmendorf

West-facade-night-shot, Image Courtesy © Stirling Elmendorf

This project is the first part of the new urban development “Bessho Yume Kaido” planned by Miki City. Therefore, although the operation is private, the building is owned by the city, making it a public building. The project it self called for the creation of a Landmark, attracting the public to appropriate the place. For that end, the contour lines were simplified as much as possible, the details for water proofing the structure, and rainwater draining although looks simple and minimalistic were the hardest part to design. The glass frame incorporated in the wooden pillars participate in the purification of lines converting the building to an icon. A glowing icon on evenings when the warm lights of the shop rays through the glazed façades, attracting people and giving the whole area a new visual identity.

Protracted-sharp-eaves, Image Courtesy © Stirling Elmendorf

West-side-as-seen-from-the-road, Image Courtesy © Stirling Elmendorf

South-Glazed-Facade, Image Courtesy © Stirling Elmendorf

Interior-panorama-night, Image Courtesy © Stirling Elmendorf

Interior-at-night, Image Courtesy © Stirling Elmendorf

From-the-entrance, Image Courtesy © Stirling Elmendorf

Interior-Panorama, Image Courtesy © Stirling Elmendorf

Interior, Image Courtesy © Stirling Elmendorf

Floor-plan, Image Courtesy © Matsuya Art Works / KTX archiLAB

Mass-plan, Image Courtesy © Matsuya Art Works / KTX archiLAB

Section, Image Courtesy © Matsuya Art Works / KTX archiLAB

Tags: Japan, Miki

Category: Restaurant

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