Kawasaki Korean School is one of 51 Korean schools in Japan, serving a community that has preserved its cultural identity since the early 20th century. First opened in 1946, its new building now accommodates around 40 students, with attached preschool and primary levels.
With part of the site sold to finance construction, Tokyo-based Taiga Kasai + Chong Aehyang Architecture (KACH) introduced a three-tiered terrace as an extension of the schoolyard. The stepped structure blends play space with the townscape, making student activities visible to the surrounding community and symbolising openness in contrast to the discrimination historically faced by Korean residents in Japan.
Designing with climate and ground conditions
The project focuses on the effective use of natural energy, with an emphasis on natural light and ventilation. Windows are primarily placed on the south side, bringing light into the central ground-floor corridor and the typically dim classrooms on the north side. All south-facing windows are fitted with eaves that block direct sun in summer while admitting maximum daylight in winter. Since many winter days in Japan are sunny, this strategy helps warm the entire school, significantly reducing the need for heating and lowering carbon emissions.
Located on reclaimed land along Tokyo Bay, the site posed challenges of ultra-soft ground. Rather than using conventional piles, the design employed a ground replacement method: excavated soil was balanced with lightweight polystyrene foam, creating stability without the carbon-intensive process of pile driving. Combined with a lightweight, rigid steel frame, the system reduced both embodied emissions and construction costs.
Inbuilt flexibility
The school’s structural system consists of a rigid steel frame with braces, designed to accommodate present needs and potential program changes. Movable partitions allow classrooms to be reconfigured as larger open spaces, while the structural clarity supports future reconfiguration for community or cultural uses. This adaptability extends the building’s functional lifespan and reduces the need for carbon-intensive renovations.
Materials for durability and efficiency
Durability and long-term efficiency guided the selection of materials. The facade is clad in corrugated steel, chosen for its resilience and low maintenance. Flooring was specified for durability and ease of upkeep, while high-performance glazing ensures reliability and energy efficiency. Interior elements such as doors and furniture were custom-made, and lighting was selected from a range of manufacturers to balance quality with efficiency. Collectively, these choices emphasise longevity and resource-conscious design, reducing lifecycle emissions.
The polystyrene foam used in the ground replacement consists of carbon and hydrogen, ensuring it does not release dioxins when burned. Its installation requires no heavy machinery, avoiding noise and vibration and lowering emissions compared with pile foundations. The material also offers excellent insulation, significantly reducing heat loss through the foundation.
A symbol of openness
The stepped terrace and open structure extend the schoolyard into a shared landscape, transforming the building into a veritable stage visible from the street. Children’s play and daily activities become part of the local scenery, reinforcing the school as both an educational facility and a community anchor. By merging sustainable construction strategies with socially responsive design, Kawasaki Korean School offers a model of low-carbon, adaptable, and community-oriented architecture.
