Bronze Architecture, Building and Structure Design · 2024
Saimyo Temple Religious Institution
by Yuki Yamada
- A' Design Award 2024 Bronze Winner in Architecture, Building and Structure Design
- Awarded April 15, 2024
- CLIENT: Akatuki Architect Office Co.
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 14,985
- Verification code 87C72E396D · Verify this award
About Saimyo Temple Religious Institution
Saimyo Temple is a religious building located on the grounds of a temple in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, Japan. The design emphasizes horizontal lines. Two roofs of different heights give the structure a sense of height and volume. A gently sloping roof keeps the building lower than the main temple. The roof is made of galvanized steel rather than traditional tiles. Deep eaves shade the interior and protect the walls from rain. A spacious glass enclosed room offers open views and a quiet place for prayer and meditation.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- This is a building located on the premises of a temple in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture. Its design highlights horizontal elements. The structure features two roofs with varying heights creating a sense of height and volume. The design seamlessly integrates with the surrounding environment by creating a sense of volume.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Structure Wood
Reinforced Concrete
one-story structure
Site area: 328.52 square metre
Floor area: 65.56 square metre
Building area: 80.58 square metre - Tags
- Temple, Buddha, Kurashiki, Japan, wooden,
- Production Technology
- The roof is made of galvanized steel which gives it a modern image unlike traditional roof tiles.
The design is modern and emphasizes horizontality. - Design Challenge
- The client wanted the architecture to be unobstructed by buildings. The building was to be constructed a little lower than the main temple. A gently sloping roof was adopted to keep the height low.
- Project Duration
- Completed in Kurashiki Okayama in 2021.
- Operation Flow
- People avoided gathering in large numbers because of the pandemic.This religious institution was also turned into a small temple where only family and relatives could gather.
- Research
- One of the features of this temple's design is its deep eaves. In traditional Japanese architecture these eaves are of great importance. It is It has not only a functional meaning such as adjusting solar radiation according to the season or protecting the exterior walls in rainy areas but also a psychological meaning such as the comfort of being under the eaves. For this reason we designed the space with wide eaves so that visitors can relax.
- Inspiration
- When I first visited this place I was amazed by the stunning view and refreshing breeze. I had an idea of building a spacious room enclosed in glass where one could enjoy the beautiful surroundings without compromising on comfort. Additionally I thought of creating a peaceful space for prayer and meditation.
- Image Credits
- Photographer Senichiro Nogami