This is the temporary office for the Nerima Hikawa Shrine.

Though termed “temporary,” it is not a provisional structure but the first step in a redevelopment plan spanning over six years, intended to stand for the future.

Until the completion of the main shrine, worship hall, and official office, it will be used as an office for about five years. Afterward, it is expected to transition into a community activity space open to the surrounding town. The chief priest, shrine supporters, the developer overseeing the project, and our design team have together drafted the blueprint.

Initially, it will serve as a simple space for distributing amulets and offering simple office functions, and as a meeting space for regular gatherings. Meanwhile, during the demolition of the existing main shrine, it must serve as a dwelling place for the deity.

To maintain the dignity as a shrine housing the sacred object while allowing flexible interior usage, we proposed a column-less space. It’s constructed using a vertical log method, involving laminated beams of 105×150 mm hinoki wood and 150×150 mm hinoki columns. A stage for varied annual events like bean throwing during Setsubun, taiko drum performances, and karaoke contests is secured. A deep eave space is created for worship, with the external floor of the second floor projecting significantly by 1,820 mm. This projection is supported by a structure of 105×150 mm hinoki timbers, imagined like traditional brackets, preserving the shrine’s elegance.

Facing existing non-compliant retaining walls on the north side, after discussions with authorities, we were able to apply measures relaxing boundary setbacks by installing structures considered retaining walls on the planned building side. The north side foundation is raised to a floor height, with beams spanning south wooden columns and north RC walls (t=250). The east-west (longitudinal) orientation is symmetrically arranged for dignity, while the north-south (short) delivers unique structural expressions born from its asymmetry, exhibited directly inside.

This building, primarily funded by donations, also includes contributions in kind. Indeed, materials like wood for finishing and stones for external structures were donated by local contractors regularly assisting with shrine renovations. Receiving tangible contributions, not just money, is seen as a result of adopting an open construction method using only standard timber, without relying on special techniques.

We hope this building becomes one that the community feels they have helped create—not only as users but also sometimes as builders, continuing their connection with it throughout its lifetime.