As a new, lively public space connecting a historic shrine in Takatsuki City with a new arts and culture theater, Cafe N+ aims to harmonize with the existing landscape while asserting its own architectural identity.
The project site is located within the shrine grounds, with the café’s facade facing the boundary with the adjacent theater. During the construction of the theater, this boundary was planned to be a landscaped area. However, through discussions with city officials, we were able to transform the landscaped area into an open space, creating a plaza that integrates seamlessly with the café.
To avoid affecting parts of the existing buildings on the shrine grounds that could pose a fire hazard, the total buildings’ area had to remain within 500 square meters (Article 2, Item 6 of the Building Standards Act), consequently limiting the café's floor area to 18 square meters. Despite the small size, we sought to create a space that feels expansive. This led to a design where the rear wall facing the existing office building is constructed of reinforced concrete to bear seismic loads, with a light wooden roof supported by this wall and four wooden pillars that only carry vertical loads. This combination of concrete and wood serves to bridge the architectural contexts of both the shrine and the theater.
By keeping the roofline below the eaves of the existing office, the café appears as an extension of the traditional gabled roof behind it, while the symmetrical facade with its emphasized horizontal line echoes the shape of the torii gate. The black mortar used for the interior walls and floor mimics the texture of the black plaster on the existing building’s exterior, creating a connection between the old and new structures. The handles on the doors and the furniture, made from solid chestnut wood, are designed to provide a cozy atmosphere and a warm tactile experience, leaving a lasting impression on visitors.
The band-like projection that wraps around the exterior, functioning as a counter or bench, gives the building a sense of lightness and floating. This floating effect helps to fluidly connect the historical and contemporary elements of the cityscape.
We hope that this small building not only blends into the existing landscape but also becomes a beloved space in the city, connecting history and the present for years to come.
