This is a small elementary school with approximately ten students in each grade. A merger with neighboring towns has led to the disappearance of the former name of the town, Asahi. However, the school has a long history, and this project aimed to renew the school building as a symbol of the town for future generations. Our design had to take into account the fact that activities outside of the school buildings are extremely limited in cold, snowy areas and most activities have to be done indoors.

© Shinkenchiku-sha

Architects: Atelier BNK

Location: Shibetsu, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan

Area: 3893.0 sqm

Project Year: 2008

Photographs: Shinkenchiku-sha, Koji Sakai
Collaborators : Kanebako Structural Engineers, SOGO Consultrants

© Koji Sakai

From the architect. This is a small elementary school with approximately ten students in each grade. A merger with neighboring towns has led to the disappearance of the former name of the town, Asahi. However, the school has a long history, and this project aimed to renew the school building as a symbol of the town for future generations. Our design had to take into account the fact that activities outside of the school buildings are extremely limited in cold, snowy areas and most activities have to be done indoors.

© Shinkenchiku-sha

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