Sculptural roof crowns restaurant expansion in the Chiba countryside, Japan

USHIMARU RESTAURANT EXPANSION IN CHIBA, JAPAN

Axel Vansteenkiste Architecture, in collaboration with sbs Architects has undertaken the design for Ushimaru restaurant’s addition in the Chiba countryside, Japan. The restaurant is housed in a European-style building, surrounded by fields and agricultural land, which serves as a source for many of their ingredients. The client’s idea was to expand the dining area, and create a new entrance, lounge, and kitchen spaces, all while providing guests with views of the picturesque scenery. The design team opted for an addition that creates a harmonious juxtaposition with the existing building, fostering a material and color play between the two structures. The design team has also been responsible for a comprehensive renewal of the majority of the interior finishes.

SCULPTURAL METAL ROOF COMPLEMENTS THE EXISTING BRICK BUILDING

The new structure builds upon the existing building’s features and expands them through two abstract volumes.

The one half takes shape as a long dining space along the south facade topped by a 45-degree pitched roof and the other is an adjacent low and opaque box-like structure in the north that consists of the service zone, including kitchen, storage, and toilets.

The roof gracefully extends close to the ground on one side, concealing the adjacent parking area from sight and effectively preventing the space from overheating. From the other end, it slightly curves upwards, revealing and guiding visitors to the restaurant’s new entrance. Upon entering the room, guests are greeted by a seven-meter-tall triangular space with an exposed timber structure.

To accentuate the abstract character of the new addition, the exterior finishes are clad in silver galvalume cladding. This material not only provides better protection for the steel structure against the elements but also creates gentle reflections of the sky and surrounding landscape.

Along the entire length of the existing dining space and the new lounge, a wood-clad service wall holds all storage, service access, a wine room, a reception area, and serving counters. This design keeps the space flexible and uncluttered, allowing for versatile use. Drawing inspiration from Ushimaru’s collection of handcrafted glass flatware, the architects collaborated with SGHR Sugahara to craft custom handmade glass light fittings and door handles, ‘extending their tactile qualities to the fittings of the building,’ as described by the architects.

Project info:

Name: Ushimaru Restaurant

Architecture: Axel Vansteenkiste Architecture | @axelvansteenkiste in collaboration with sbs Architects

Location: Chiba, Japan

Duration: 2021 – 2023 (design), 2023 – 2024 (construction), completed

Area: 202 sqm

Structure: C. Tanioka Sekkei-sha

MEP: Hashimoto Chiharu, Mimiya Ayako

General contractor: Woody-Akiba

Custom glass fittings: Sugahara Glassworks, inc.