Mizuno Architecture Layout has created a concrete office and conference facility for the employees of a tuna processing factory in the Japanese seaside town of Yaizu .
The Katsuobushi Kumiai Workplace creates a new home for the Yaizu Katsuobushi Business Cooperative Association – an organisation that supports the town’s thriving Katsuobushi business, which requires the drying and fermenting of smoked skipjack tuna.
The site is positioned at the centre of an industrial estate surrounded by noisy refrigeration units, so the Japanese studio’s founder Yoshiyasu Mizuno produced a bulky concrete construction that would supply acoustic separation from its neighbours.
“The highest priority was provided to generating a tranquil enterprise area, protected from the noise generated by the incoming and outgoing of big vehicles and the unloading of freight,” explained the architect, whose past projects incorporate a triangular property with a sheltered outside cooking region.
The building comprises a series of concrete blocks, linked by a central glazed area. The concrete is left exposed on three of the volumes, while other individuals have surfaces clad in timber, coated in metal panels or rendered gold.
“Boxes are made of reinforced concrete to develop a buffer zone from the outdoors setting,” Mizuno explained. “The reinforced concrete boxes as structural units carry the horizontal forces, although floors and ceilings are composed of wooden slabs.”
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“Our layout approach employed is to distribute characteristics in their required spots in a straight-forward way, resulting in obtaining ragged volumes applied with a range of resources.”
The developing includes two storeys. The reduced degree accommodates a lengthy narrow office, with regions that can be subdivided if necessary, although the upper degree includes a huge conference room.
Concrete surfaces are also left exposed within the constructing, but are mixed with timber particulars and ceilings to produce some warmth in the space.
“Our interpretation of the client’s request is to make these business spaces a pleasant atmosphere by applying acceptable supplies to the horizontal and vertical floors and walls to develop a secure and comforting ambience,” added Mizuno.
Photography is by Harunori Noda/Gankohsha.
Venture credits:
Architectural layout: Yoshiyasu Mizuno/Mizuno architecture layout association
Constructional design and style: Masayuki Takada/RGB framework
Building management: Kinoshita Kensetsu Kogo
Structural model 
Ground floor program 
First floor program 
Area Dezeen
