The Breeze of Yamate Bluff

The project involves the renovation of a chapel space adjacent to Minato-no-Mieru Oka Park (Harbor View Park), an elevated area in Yamate historically known to foreign residents as "The Bluff," which signifies a steep cliff or hill.

We designed the space to incorporate the "pleasant breeze" that passes through the sea and these elevated areas. As an accent material, we adopted antique-finished travertine. The stone design pays homage to the "Bluff Masonry" (Bluff-Zumi) seen in the retaining walls of the Yamate area, a construction style named after the region's historical nickname, "The Bluff." It also draws inspiration from the brick architecture of the former foreign settlement.

By layering the history, culture, and townscape of Yamate into the space, we aimed to create an environment that will be cherished for a long time by the bride and groom, their guests, and the local community.