Kunamiterrace Sunset カフェ、アートギャラリー by Tomohiro Araki is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award 銅賞 in 建築・建物・構造物デザイン Competition Category.
銅建築· 2026
Kunamiterrace Sunset カフェ、アートギャラリー
Client: Replus Co.,Ltd
A' Design Award 銅賞 Winner in 建築 Category
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- Verified Award Winner
- Verify Award Status for #173583
The Design
About Kunamiterrace Sunset カフェ、アートギャラリー
クナミテラス・サンセットは、日本の鳥取県北部、岩美町のジオパーク国立公園に隣接する常設のビーチハウスです。木造2階建ての建物には、夕日を望むカフェと、地元アーティストの個展のための小さなギャラリーが設けられています。外壁は焼杉、屋根はガルバリウム鋼板、内装は構造用合板を用いることで、地域の街並みに調和させています。高く立ち上げた鉄筋コンクリートの基礎が、強い北風から建物を守ります。テラス席の数を絞ることで、慎ましいスケール感を保っています。
The Recognition
About the A' Design Award 銅賞
Kunamiterrace Sunset カフェ、アートギャラリーは、創造性、独創性、鋭い洞察力で際立つ傑出したデザインに授与される、高い権威をもつ評価である A' Design Award 銅賞の受賞作品です。銅賞の受賞作品は、十分に巧みで印象的なほど創造的な工芸品であり、デザイナーの豊富な経験、想像力、機知を裏づけています。Kunamiterrace Sunset カフェ、アートギャラリーは、高く評価され、称賛され、愛される品であり、顕著にプロフェッショナルで革新的であることが期待されます。この A' Design Award 銅賞を受賞したデザインは、芸術・科学・デザイン・技術のベストプラクティスを取り入れており、細部への配慮に優れています。Kunamiterrace Sunset カフェ、アートギャラリーは、ニーズを見事に満たし、欲求に触れ、感情を魅了し、好奇心を引きつけます。
Behind the Design
Press Kit
Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.
- Unique Properties
- I was commissioned to build a permanent beach house near a national park (geopark) in this area. In front of the house is a town-managed outdoor barbecue area that attracts more than 2,000 visitors annually. The shallow beach with big waves is a popular spot for surfers. However, while there were once dozens of guesthouses, only a few remain today, the town's population is declining, and aging is a serious problem. This area is designated as a stop for JR West's luxury tourist train (Zuife), but there are few accommodations, and I felt that the tourist resources were not being fully utilized. However, given the recent problems with overtourism, would transforming it into a tourist destination truly benefit the residents? After careful consideration, I began to make a basic plan. By using materials that match the surrounding townscape, the design does not detract from the scenery. By using natural materials, I was able to enjoy the maturation process. The observation terrace has limited seating capacity to avoid becoming an excessive tourist facility.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Building Data > Location: 604-5 Rikuchi, Iwami-cho, Tottori Prefecture Main Use: Shop (Permanent beach house and gallery) Completion Date: May 3, 2025 Size: Site area: 872.31 m2, Building area: 185.35 m2, 2-story wooden building
- Tags
- sea, side, house
- Production Technology
- Community-friendly design > Design that uses natural materials and is considerate of the streetscape. Interior: Structural plywood Exterior: Burnt cedar Roof: Galvalume steel sheet (original sheet) This area is directly exposed to strong northerly winds, but a dynamic design is provided by a single bay protruding from the exterior wall. This structure is achieved by using the roof itself as a horizontal plane without using beams on the second floor. The RC structure supporting the second-floor balcony prevents deterioration from the northerly winds, fixes the structure, and completes the design of the north facade. The 3.6m high RC wall is designed to make you want to go up to the second floor when you look up at it from the street. The back of this high foundation also functions as an exit to the gallery, and paintings and other works are displayed on the P-con on the wall surface, enhancing the completeness of the gallery. Glass is attached to the columns of the north facade, and no sashes are installed.
- Design Challenge
- A new tourist attraction has opened in Higashihama.
I was commissioned to design it last year, and it took me about a year and a few months to create a building suitable for this land.
It was a very intense period, both enjoyable and painful.
What kind of building is truly suitable for this land? It was a good opportunity to reconsider the meaning of building, and it's also my first project since turning 50.
I asked myself what kind of building would be loved by the local people and cherished for a long time.
I completed the construction while asking myself this question.
The first customers came to the shop before it was even finished. It was a pair of swallows.
Nature (animals) knows. What is a truly safe building? In that moment, I found the answer. - Research
- My approach is to simplify everything by removing unnecessary elements from existing ones.
Instead of adding something, I use an almost infinite number of formulas and styles.
Adding elements or decorations to further emphasize character.
When applied to lifestyle, it's not about filling and decorating your home with furniture and other things.
Rather, it's about placing truly good and important things where they belong.
Making it clearer what's important and what needs to be done.
The term "minimalism" is frequently heard these days.
However, I believe this is not a fleeting trend.
But it is a concept that is easy to understand in many modern times.
Perfection is achieved when nothing is taken away.
In today's society, where the meaning and value of happiness are rapidly changing,
perhaps we are entering an era where we place more value on emotional and experiential things.
Instead of bringing wealth in the form of physical possessions or money,
Choosing only what is truly necessary and reducing personal possessions may lead to a more creative life. - Inspiration
- This permanent beach house is located in Iwami Town, the northernmost point of Tottori Prefecture, adjacent to the San'inkai Bay Geopark National Park. It features a sunset cafe where you can enjoy stunning sunsets from its prime location, as well as a small gallery hosting solo exhibitions by local artists. This facility offers a space where you can experience an extraordinary world while soothing your soul with the sound of the waves.
- Project Duration
- 2024/10/1~2025/5/3
IWAMI TOTTORI JAPAN - Image Credits
- Photo by Tomonao Nagasaka
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