Kouunji Kyakuden

Kouunji Kyakuden has a site area of 3039.15 square meters.

Kouunji Kyakuden has a building area of 277.26 square meters.

Kouunji Kyakuden has a total floor area of 323.77 square meters.

Kouunji Kyakuden uses a timber frame structure.

Kouunji Kyakuden is located in Tsukubamirai City, Ibaraki Prefecture,Japan.

Kouunji Kyakuden revived the traditional natural paint Kumezo.

Kouunji Kyakuden was awarded Bronze in the A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award in 2025.

The main structural frame of the Kouunji Kyakuden is made of cypress wood. In addition, old chestnut and zelkova wood from the pillars and beams of the old reception hall are used.

At Kouunji Kyakuden, reinforcement work using steel pipe piles and construction of a strong foundation have been carried out to address the soft ground.

Kouunji Kyakuden is supported by a slab foundation structure that distributes load evenly across the surface, making it suitable for use on soft ground.

The dimensions and spacing of the cedar latticework used in the Kouunji Kyakuden are based on a module called "shakkanho," a traditional Japanese system of length, weight, and volume. These are converted to the metric system as appropriate.

The Kumezo paint that has been restored to the Kouunji Kyakuden is primarily composed of several natural ingredients that can be found anywhere in Japan, and is applied by repeatedly applying and wiping it off.

Although local regulations do not require the structural components of the Kouunji Kyakuden to be fire-resistant, the interior is finished with fire-resistant materials and smoke detectors, heat detectors, fire alarms, and fire extinguishers are appropriately installed.

The main interior space of the Kouunji Kyakuden uses natural materials such as plaster and paper walls and woven grass tatami floors to create a soft acoustic environment.

The main space of Kouunji Kyakuden is equipped with an air-cooled heat pump air conditioning system.

The wooden framework of the Kouunji Kyakuden is designed to withstand the load of a "meeting hall" in accordance with Japan's Building Standards Act.

The floor of the reception hall at Kouunji Kyakuden is covered with tatami mats woven from natural grass.

To make the Kouunji Kyakuden barrier-free, steps have been reduced and ramps and handrails have been installed.

The two main rooms of Kouunji Kyakuden are designed to accommodate 60 and 70 people seated in chairs, and 90 and 100 people seated on the floor.

The main hall of Kouunji Kyakuden has a clear and adaptable layout that can accommodate a variety of events, with the entrance at the center.

The kitchen facilities at Kouunji Kyakuden are simple, with a gas stove, a counter, a sink, and a refrigerator.

At Kouunji Kyakuden, traditional Japanese Washi paper and wooden shoji screens are installed inside the windows to control light and visibility. This creates an air gap between the glass surface and the screen, suppressing heat transmission. In addition, because Washi paper has the property of diffusing light, it diffuses external light into the room during the day, creating a softly lit space. At night, it creates a lantern-like view of the reception hall.

Kouunji Kyakuden has no gutters on the eaves to avoid clogging with fallen leaves. Rainwater is planned to fall directly from the roof onto a gravel pad laid and returned to the ground. Meanwhile, wastewater is discharged through a septic tank where it is decomposed by bacteria and allowed to infiltrate into the ground.

The windows of the Kouunji Kyakuden are made of clear, single-pane glass.

After selecting reusable materials from the old reception hall, craftsmen hand-repaired the materials and special joints based on the layout plan for the new reception hall. As a result, the wood grain of the pillars in the entrance hall has a patchwork appearance.

The wooden exterior of Kouunji Kyakuden is maintained by periodically repainting it, which not only maintains its beauty but also ensures that the skills of its artisans are passed on through regular maintenance.

During the day, the Kouunji Kyakuden creates a soft, Japanese-style indoor environment through the lattice and shoji paper screens. At night, It have a lighting plan that can be adjusted to suit events. The light filtering through the washi paper at night also gives the building itself an appearance reminiscent of a lantern.

Kounji Kakuden is designed based on the idea of ​​using natural materials as the main components, just like ancient architecture, and handing down the process of aging to future generations through human maintenance.

The exterior walls of Kouunji Kyakuden are made of natural wood, which has moisture-regulating and waterproof properties. The inner layers of the exterior wall material have both breathable and waterproof layers, and the eaves are extended horizontally to reduce the impact of rainwater on the exterior walls.

Kouunji Kyakuden uses a special joining method called "Tsugite," a traditional Japanese wooden construction method, to join new and recycled materials.

Kouunji Kyakuden is earthquake-resistant and fully complies with Japan's stringent local laws.

The electrical equipment for events at Kouunji Kyakuden includes lighting equipment and air conditioning and ventilation equipment.

To preserve the wood of the Kouunji Kyakuden, sufficient ventilation is planned under the floor, in the walls, and in the attic.

The connection between the entrance hall of the Kouunji Kyakuden and the surrounding functions is defined by balanced dimensions using traditional Japanese modules.

The entrance hall and reception hall of Kouunji Kyakuden are directly connected to each other.A walkway also connects the main hall, which is a separate facility of the temple, to the reception hall facility of this project.

Kouunji Kyakuden will function as a temporary evacuation site in the event of a disaster, and as a facility for accommodation, dining, meetings, etc.

Kounji Temple is run by a family who have many years of experience through training in Buddhist sects and volunteer work in disaster relief efforts across Japan.