Using locally sourced natural materials, we renovated an old folk house into a cafe. The terrace floor and handrails are made from pressure-treated akoya wood. We also developed a movable roof that allows snow to fall off, ensuring the outdoor structure will last in a heavy snowfall region. Inside, you can relax surrounded by lighting and textile art inspired by the surrounding nature, while the terrace offers a peaceful view of the Echigo Plain.This project was initiated by a local company's art project, which led to our proposal for a sustainable complex at the base of Mt. Yahiko. This site was named "59FU," and the cafe is now open. The project has been featured in various media outlets as an experimental and regional development hub for the art project.
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For the "Yahiko Village Art Project," which began in 2021 as an experiment in both art and regional revitalization, we undertook the master plan for a sprawling site at the base of Mt. Yahiko, naming it "59FU." To date, we have completed the renovation of an old farmhouse into a cafe, the addition of a new terrace, and the development of the surrounding landscape.Although the client initially wanted a restaurant, we discussed the benefits of a space where visitors could relax for a longer time and decided on a cafe instead. We prioritized the quality of the space over profitability, so the seating capacity is less than half of what is typical. Since beverages can be served outdoors, we were also able to add the new terrace. In this way, we created a foundation of time and space designed to foster the "awareness" that lies at the core of the art project.In renovating the old farmhouse, we added new openings at the ends of the north-south and east-west axes, connecting the space to the garden and a water basin with light and wind. For the interior, we intentionally toned down the local and traditional qualities of the old house, bringing it closer to a blank canvas to welcome artists in a neutral state. All finishes are new, using natural materials sourced from the area, such as crushed stone from the Hayade River, sand from the Agano River, and earth from Yahiko. We repeated strength tests while varying the mixing ratios. While utilizing the textures of the materials, we intentionally kept the colors and forms subdued. This was done to allow two contradictory elements—a cafe that seeks comfort and a contemporary art project that creates a sense of dissonance—to coexist in the space in a state of dynamic tension, rather than forced balance.The terrace was completed after repeated full-scale mockups. To handle the heavy snow loads of Yahiko Village, a known snowy region, we developed a retractable awning system for the roof, providing both comfortable shade and an open view. The floor and handrails are made from durable treated wood, with alternating widths of 31mm and 23mm. This varied density allows snow to fall through the gaps in winter and beautifully frames the scenery in spring, summer, and autumn. The entire terrace is positioned along the natural axis of the landscape, highlighting the once-overlooked Echigo Plain and the mountains beyond.