Schemata Architects has reimagined the traditional machiya house with a modern twist, creating a stunning headquarters for Uchida Shōten. The design draws inspiration from the historic townhouses of Japan's Tōkaidō road, blending the past with the present. The office building, located in Fujisawa City, is a 351-square-metre space that replaces the company's old headquarters. It features a unique structure made of laminated timber from Scots pine, designed to withstand earthquakes. The elongated shape of the building, measuring 33 meters long, 9.5 meters tall, and just over 6 meters wide, is a nod to the traditional machiya style. The width of the frontage is almost identical to that of a typical townhouse, while the depth is longer, maximizing the building coverage ratio at 60%. The height is kept within the regulatory limit of 10 meters, but it still stands taller than a traditional townhouse.
The building's facade is a stunning example of modern architecture. The northern facade, facing the street, is made of corrugated steel and features large awning windows that open like breathing, allowing passersby to see inside. This design choice not only adds a modern aesthetic but also symbolizes the presence of people within the building. The external walls are constructed with steel plates, meeting fire-resistant standards due to the building's location in a 'quasi-fire prevention zone'. The use of steel sheets, with their high drainage capacity, minimizes the visibility of horizontal joints and eliminates the need for drip edges, creating a striking contrast between the 'hari' (stresses) and 'meri' (reliefs) of the building's design.
Inside the headquarters, the pine wood interior retains its natural color, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere. A spiral staircase connects the two main floors, leading to a low-ceilinged attic space fully clad in wood. The building also features a dedicated artist-in-residence area at the front, offering facilities such as a sink and bathroom, and providing access to the attic for stays. This addition aims to encourage interaction with the neighborhood and foster the evolution of the building.
Uchida Shōten, being a hardware manufacturer, played a significant role in crafting the building's internal features. The company designed the spiral staircase, a folded staircase, and a south-facing balcony, showcasing their craftsmanship. The artist-in-residence space at the front of the building is a testament to the company's commitment to preserving the spirit of making and culture nearby. The design philosophy behind this project is to create a 'breathing architecture' that stimulates neighbors and sparks communication, ensuring that the building undergoes sustainable change as people gather, things are made, and uses transform.
Schemata Architects has a track record of innovative projects, including an ironworks turned into a cafe and brewery, and angular guesthouses clad in local timber. The photography for this project is by Ju Yeon Lee, capturing the essence of the building's unique blend of traditional and modern elements. The project team, led by Jo Nagasaka, included Shoichi Sato, Tokyo-gumi Co, Ltd, Hashigodaka Architects, Moeko Yamaguchi (signage design), and Endo Lighting Corporation (lighting design).
