‘Edge of the Forest’ Community Centre by Yamazaki Kentaro Design Workshop.

We talk about architecture having inherent value. One of the values that is often discussed is the value that good and thoughtful architecture brings to the community. Sometimes we even talk about architecture bringing the community together. Sometimes it’s just talk. Other times, as in this instance, it is not. What is delightfully refreshing about this project is that it not only meets the first value criteria, it meets the second as well. Not only has “Edges of the Forest” brought the community together, the community were integral in building it.

Daigo Town, in Ibaraki Prefecture is built on the edges of abundant woodlands by the surrounding mountains. Built in a traditional Japanese style, the project was not only a community inspired one, it met the ever growing need of reclamation and recycling of materials.

The town is known for its timber production and the local lumber mills had plenty of offcuts that were headed for the bin. In this case the scraps and remnants of the timber were reused and became integral to the design and the construction of the project. Using the off cuts the interior has been formed as well as furniture for the space.

The natural beauty of the cut wood has been left exposed making a feature of it and giving each piece a distinctive edge and texture. The architects named the project “Edges of the Forest” because the very basis of the construction material came from the edge of the local forest.

The building is designed to bring the locals together, using the space as both a café and a bookstore, a shared office and an area to host events in the town. Designed by Yamazaki Kentaro Design Workshop, this project is a resoundingly successful collaboration between architects, residents and materials sourced and found.

[Images courtesy of Yamazaki Kentaro Design Workshop. Photography by Akihiro Kawauchi.]