The Shima Restaurant project, presented to us by the architectural firm Atelier Ryo Abe Works, is located in a village on Hande Island. This renovation project involved transforming an old house into a unique art restaurant.
The site around the old house consists of vacant land left after the demolition of nearby structures many years ago. Currently, only one old warehouse remains, along with two persimmon trees and several small fig trees.
The design features an open kitchen within the house, the transformation of the warehouse into an art gallery, and the addition of an open-air theater with sunshades surrounding the fruit trees.
The theater is constructed in the traditional Noh style, featuring a stage, a long corridor, and a gallery. This versatile design accommodates a variety of events, including music performances, modern art shows, folk dances, and community festivals.
The sunshade canopy is crafted from traditional burnt wood panels native to the island. These wooden boards form a loose framework, allowing them to gently sway in the wind like bird wings. The lightweight materials used for this simple structure are locally sourced.
The sunshade canopy extends from the roof of the existing house, with its outer edge positioned lower than the roofs of neighboring homes. This design choice helps the canopy blend seamlessly into the rural landscape, preserving the tranquil atmosphere of the area.
By integrating existing structures, traditional techniques, and simple materials, the designer has created an intimate gathering space in the village where visitors feel comfortable and joyful beneath the shade of the trees.
Technical Drawings
△ Plan view
△ Plan view
△ Detailed drawing
△ Detailed drawing
Project Information
Architect: Atelier Ryo Abe Works
Photographer: Daici Ano
City: Kumagaya City
Country: Japan
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