This site is located at the northern tip of Awaji Island, nestled between the sea and a gently sloping mountain, offering views of Kobe, Osaka, and the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge on the opposite shore.
To express the characteristics of a site defined by these two completely contrasting landscapes, distinct facades were designed for the east and west sides. Two linear structures with individual qualities are integrated into a single D-shaped plan, flanking a light-filled atrium.
On the seaside, using the seawall as a podium, the facade is highly transparent, featuring four levels of emphasized horizontal slabs that create a seamless continuity between the interior, exterior, and the surrounding scenery.
In contrast to the horizontal emphasis of the seaside, the mountain-side facade features a rhythmic arrangement of timber-clad columns that emphasize a symbolic, somewhat classical vertical structure. At the center, a massive timber canopy and a grand staircase welcome visitors.
On the second floor, the atrium features a picture window with massive sliding glass doors that can be fully opened, visually and physically integrating the interior space with the ocean views, drawing the viewer into another world.
