Umikara

UMIKARA is situated adjacent to a fishing village that thrived as the epicenter of Takahama town's subsistence since ancient times.

The initiation of the foundational plan dates back to 2016. While we are "bequeathing" the panorama of this fishing village, our aspiration is that, with the finalization of UMIKARA as a facility for the sixth industry, we will engender the "novel fishing town" characterized by contemporary livelihoods grounded in fishing.

We have conceived the space where local inhabitants can partake in the traditional lifestyle of the village through a rejuvenated landscape that preserves the essence of the village. It transcends being solely the facility catering to tourists; rather, it serves as a nucleus for place-making, fostering the evolution of a "new manifestation of the fishing town" for local residents, fishing industry personnel, and town denizens, even during the winter when tourist numbers are scant. For this purpose, it is imperative to contemplate architecture within the temporal framework that extends from the period children spend at UMIKARA to their adulthood. This foresight necessitates preparing the environment to withstand unique climatic elements, such as the winter snowfall prevalent in the Sea of Japan and the formidable seaside gales.

Aligning the roof slope and dimensions with the cultural topography cultivated by the cluster of fisherman's huts and primary structures in the salt-earth village situated in the hinterlands of the site, we calibrated the luminosity for the commercial facility based on the sampled color palette. This approach seeks to craft the novel landscape while seamlessly assimilating the extant cultural milieu, with the primary intent of augmenting the value of the local panorama and instilling the sense of pride among the local populace.

In contemplation of the persistent sea breeze in this locale, where even stainless steel succumbs to rust, the construction material of choice is reinforced concrete, complemented by a parapet to avert snowfall and a roof designed to retain snow. Furthermore, meticulous insulation of the reinforced concrete frame and judicious limitation of apertures have resulted in the attainment of a prestigious CASBEE A rank rating. The rooftop UMIKARA terrace, in its quotidian capacity, serves as the communal space affording panoramic views of the ocean, mountains, and village, accessible not only to tourists but also to local residents and children. It stands as a shared venue wherein Takahama Town, operators, and local volunteers can orchestrate an array of events, including BBQs and festivals.

Additionally, the architectural framework adopts a rigid frame structure with load-bearing walls constructed from reinforced concrete, strategically implemented to shield against the formidable sea breeze emanating from the Sea of Japan. Given that the walls bear the brunt of seismic forces, the dimensions of pillars have been standardized to 350 square meters, aiming to mitigate the perception of pressure. Positioned at the focal point of the atrium, a column boasting an internal height of approximately 7 meters emerges. Despite its height, akin to its counterparts, it adheres to the 350-square-meter standard and features a slender profile with an h/D ratio approximately equal to 1/20, seamlessly assimilating into the spatial composition.

Building use: Seafood Market & Restaurant
Structure Scale: RC 2 floors above ground site
Area: 1,865.07㎡
Building Area: 1,296.34㎡
Total Floor Area: 1,590.89㎡"