Experiencing an onsen space. Kusatsu Kimuraya by Kengo Kuma & Associates
30/04/2022.
[Gunma] Japan
metalocus, JOSÉ JUAN BARBA
metalocus, JOSÉ JUAN BARBA
Kusatsu Kimuraya by Kengo Kuma & Associates. Photograph by Kawasumi
Project description by Kengo Kuma & Associates
In the famous Kusatsu Onsen (hot spring) in Gunma Prefecture, we designed a one-room ryokan.
On the first floor, the restaurant directly faces the famous hot spring fields. By using Asama stone found in hot springs on the exterior walls, we connected the building and landscape into a three-dimensional landscape. To further harmonize with the landscape, curve geometries that resonate with the soft movement of steam rising from the hot springs govern how we arranged the use of local materials.
In the interior, local materials such as "Asama" stone terrazzo, and Japanese "washi" paper mixed with crushed local stones are present. The wet areas use tile materials that are typically used for the floor of the hot spring fields.
By incorporating material and geometrical elements of Yubatake hot springs throughout the building, we condensed the materiality of the historic town of Kusatsu into this small building.
Kengo Kuma was born in Yokohama (Kanagawa, Japan) in 1954. He studied architecture at the University of Tokyo, finishing his degree in 1979. In 1987, he opened the "Spatial Design Studio". In 1990 he founded "Kengo Kuma & Associates" and extend the study to Europe (Paris, France) in 2008. Since 1985 and until 2009, has taught as visiting professor and holder at the universities of Columbia, Keio, Illinois and Tokyo.
Main Awards:
· 2011 The Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's Art Encouragement Prize for "Yusuhara Wooden Bridge Museum."
· 2010 Mainichi Art Award for “Nezu Museum.”
· 2009 "Decoration Officier de L'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres" (France).
· 2008 Energy Performance + Architecture Award (France). Bois Magazine International Wood Architecture Award (France).
· 2002 Spirit of Nature Wood Architecture Award (Finland).
· 2001 Togo Murano Award for “Nakagawa-machi Bato Hiroshige Museum.”
· 1997 Architectural Institute of Japan Award for “Noh Stage in the Forest”. First Place, AIA DuPONT Benedictus Award for “Water/Glass” (USA).