y+M design office caps ballet school with shell-like roof in japan
photography by yohei sasakura

 

 

 

the top heavy structure in a quiet neighbor in tokushima city is a classic ballet school by y+M design office. characterized by a three tier structural form, a mosaic glass wall plays with the degrees of transparencies. the pointed roof form represents a free-hand and fluid motion, giving enough height to allow lifted movements during ballet practice. simultaneously, the exaggerated eaves of the roof canopy acts as a shade and cover for the car and bike parking outside.

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degree of transparency of the mosaic curtain wall is different in accordance with distance to neighboring residences

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the large roof ensures enough height for ballet practice

 

 

 

the architects comment: ‘we tried to make the ballet school approachable, easy coming for the town. for it we designed that pillar and beam structure-steel shaped ‘h’ character is uncovered and wood wool cement board is used for exterior wall to give an offhand and organic impression.’

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the exaggerated eaves provide a canopy

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the route to the upper studio follows gradual steps wrapping the perimeter of the building

 

 

 

programmatically, the services and dressing rooms have been placed on the ground floor, meanwhile the whole upper level has been dedicated to the dance studio. aiming to prepare an uplifting mindset for the student’s lesson, the protracted journey from the entrance point to the studio itself consists of a route that follows the perimeter of the building and the steps travel up in a gradual slope until the classroom.

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the ballet studio

 

 

 

comprised of high ceilings, the light and airy studio is based within the roof where the irregular form has distinguished the angularity of the ceiling and emphasized by the timber cladding. mirrored walls and the ballet barre responds to its function, meanwhile randomly placed openings provide natural light with distant views of bizan mountains.

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the angular nature of the studio is emphasized by the timber-clad high ceilings

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hot air is exhausted through the window on top of the ceiling and the fan with temperature sensor

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exterior of the ballet school

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the building fits in with the surrounding quiet residential area

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the mosaic wall is lit at night

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the façade at night

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exploded axo of the building by y+M design office