Shimotsuma Junior High School / MIKAMI Architects

Shimotsuma Junior High School / MIKAMI Architects - Exterior Photography, Windows, FacadeShimotsuma Junior High School / MIKAMI Architects - Exterior Photography, FacadeShimotsuma Junior High School / MIKAMI Architects - Exterior Photography, FacadeShimotsuma Junior High School / MIKAMI Architects - Interior Photography, FacadeShimotsuma Junior High School / MIKAMI Architects - More Images+ 17

Shimotsuma, Japan
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Shimotsuma Junior High School / MIKAMI Architects - Exterior Photography, Facade
© Koji Horiuchi

Text description provided by the architects. Conventional words like “heart of the region” suit this school well. As a school at the heart of the Shimotsuma municipal area, it is also the alma mater of many people who make up the core of locals in the city. Shimotsuma City is also characterized by the nearby Lake Sanuma and beyond that, the two peaks of Shihō Tsukuba (Mount Tsukuba) can be seen.

Shimotsuma Junior High School / MIKAMI Architects - Exterior Photography, Windows, Facade
© Koji Horiuchi
Shimotsuma Junior High School / MIKAMI Architects - Exterior Photography, Facade
© Koji Horiuchi

The school building was made into three layers in a straight line. The building is over 100 meters in length. The first layer is an annex with an imaginary boundary formed by thin pillars lined up at 1.8-meter intervals and the third layer is segmented into three protruding concrete masses.

Shimotsuma Junior High School / MIKAMI Architects - Interior Photography, Facade
© Koji Horiuchi

The second layer was hollowed out to emphasize the straight line between the main entrance, Lake Sanuma, and Mount Tsukuba and create an axis.

Shimotsuma Junior High School / MIKAMI Architects - Interior Photography, Stairs, Windows, Handrail, Beam
© Koji Horiuchi
Shimotsuma Junior High School / MIKAMI Architects - Image 18 of 22
1F plan
Shimotsuma Junior High School / MIKAMI Architects - Interior Photography, Kitchen, Table, Windows, Chair, Beam
© Koji Horiuchi

An entrance was built under the gable on the west side of the school building facing the front road and a large folded-plate roof spans overhead. While it serves to welcome students every morning, its installation also integrates the existing gymnasium.

Shimotsuma Junior High School / MIKAMI Architects - Interior Photography, Beam
© Koji Horiuchi
Shimotsuma Junior High School / MIKAMI Architects - Interior Photography, Stairs, Windows, Handrail, Beam
© Koji Horiuchi

However, even now the large roof is hidden by the shadow of the gymnasium. But, the true value of the roof will become apparent once the gymnasium is gone.

Shimotsuma Junior High School / MIKAMI Architects - Exterior Photography, Facade
© Koji Horiuchi

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Project location

Address:38-1 Nagatsuka Oto, Shimotsuma City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan

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Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "Shimotsuma Junior High School / MIKAMI Architects" 21 Sep 2021. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/968519/shimotsuma-junior-high-school-mikami-architects> ISSN 0719-8884

© Koji Horiuchi

下妻市立下妻中学 / 三上建筑事务所

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