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of the community, while also respecting the types of strictly-enforced
building codes that typically protect such heritage areas.”

A seamless blend with the environment
To the northwest of Ikegami’s largest cluster of residences, the complex
sits on a trapezoidal site, just east of the town’s temples and cafes that
cater largely to migrant waves of pilgrims en route to the temple. The
two-story music hall and its 80-seat theatrical auditorium occupy a
strategic place in the southwest corner of the structure, entered via
a vestibule and foyer that combine to form a circulation zone that
blurs the lines between the inspiring, undulating hills of the external
landscape and the vibe of creativity that awaits inside. The foyer is
embraced by three brass-coloured, stainless steel diagonal walls, and
the interior of the hall is encased in acoustic reflectors, with large
walls that collectively form an abstract diagonal shape. Glass surfaces
and multiple openings further embolden connections between the
music hall and the surrounding landscape, with the latter embellished
by gabion walls that delineate a garden of various species of plants.

Spatial reconfigurations
Towards the centre of the building, the residential zone shares its
entrance-way with the music hall, and is accessed via a staircase
marked by architectural elements symbolically paying tribute to the
climb to the Ikegami Honmonji temple. At the top of the staircase,
a series of sound-proofed rental quarters line the corridor, each
comprised of a kitchen, bathroom, soundproofed living room, and
sleeping quarters. The residential volume also houses a penthouse
unit, comprised of three volume areas featuring sliding walls that
enable maximum spatial configurations of its spaces. By reconfiguring
the sliding walls, the living room and dining room areas can be
enlarged to accommodate a variety of logistical situations. The
sleeping quarters can also be reconfigured from a master bedroom
into multiple bedrooms to accommodate other family members or
houseguests.

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