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Architect Yuki Yamada's Saimyo Temple

Architect Yuki Yamada's Saimyo Temple, located in Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, is a modern religious institution completed in 2021. The temple, designed as a spacious glass-walled room, offers a peaceful space for prayer and meditation, allowing visitors to enjoy the stunning surroundings while maintaining comfort. The design emphasizes horizontal elements and features two roofs of varying heights, creating a sense of volume that seamlessly integrates with the environment. The temple's roof is made of galvanized steel, giving it a modern image distinct from traditional roof tiles. The structure comprises wood and reinforced concrete, with a one-story layout and a site area of 328.52 square meters. The building area covers 80.58 square meters, with a floor area of 65.56 square meters.

Yamada's design inspiration stemmed from the breathtaking views and refreshing atmosphere of the location, aiming to create a space that harmonizes with its surroundings. The temple's deep eaves, a significant feature in traditional Japanese architecture, were designed to provide both functional and psychological benefits, ensuring visitors can relax and find comfort in the space. Despite the challenges posed by the client's requirement for unobstructed architecture and a lower building height relative to the main temple, Yamada successfully incorporated a gently sloping roof to meet these criteria.

Recognized for its innovative and creative design, Saimyo Temple received the Bronze A' Design Award in 2024 in the category of Architecture, Building, and Structure Design. Yamada's architectural philosophy centers on creating warm and inviting spaces that showcase the unique allure of wood and the beauty of traditional Japanese architectural style, ultimately aiming to enhance the lives of his clients through thoughtful design.

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