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Kunamiterrace Sunset 카페, 아트 갤러리 by Tomohiro Araki

Kunamiterrace Sunset 카페, 아트 갤러리 by Tomohiro Araki is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award 동상 in 건축, 건물 및 구조물 디자인 Competition Category.


동건축· 2026

Kunamiterrace Sunset 카페, 아트 갤러리

by Tomohiro Araki

Client: Replus Co.,Ltd

A' Design Award 동상 Winner in 건축 Category

Colors

The Design

About Kunamiterrace Sunset 카페, 아트 갤러리

쿠나미테라스 선셋(Kunamiterrace Sunset)은 일본 돗토리현 북부 이와미초의 지오파크 국립공원 인근에 자리한 상설 비치 하우스입니다. 목조 2층 건물에는 석양을 조망할 수 있는 카페와 지역 작가들의 개인전을 위한 소규모 갤러리가 들어서 있습니다. 외장은 태운 삼나무(야키스기), 지붕은 갈바륨 강판, 내부는 구조용 합판을 사용하여 건물이 지역의 거리 풍경과 자연스럽게 어우러지도록 했습니다. 높게 세운 철근콘크리트 기단은 강한 북풍으로부터 구조물을 보호합니다. 테라스 좌석은 건물의 규모를 절제된 수준으로 유지하기 위해 최소한으로 계획되었습니다.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award 동상

Kunamiterrace Sunset 카페, 아트 갤러리, 이 작품은 A' Design Award 동상 수상작으로, 창의성, 독창성, 영민함으로 돋보이는 뛰어난 디자인에 수여되는 높은 권위의 인정입니다. 동상 수상작은 충분히 숙련되고 인상적으로 창의적인 작품으로, 디자이너의 폭넓은 경험, 상상력, 기지를 입증합니다. Kunamiterrace Sunset 카페, 아트 갤러리, 이 작품은 높이 평가받고 감탄과 사랑을 받는 사물로서 두드러지게 전문적이고 혁신적일 것으로 기대됩니다. 이 동상 수상 디자인은 예술, 과학, 디자인, 기술의 모범 사례를 담고 있으며 세부에 대한 주의로 훌륭합니다. Kunamiterrace Sunset 카페, 아트 갤러리, 이 작품은 필요를 훌륭하게 충족하고 욕망에 닿으며 감정을 매료하고 호기심을 불러일으킵니다.

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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