© Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP Co., Ltd.
© Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP Co., Ltd.
© Koji Fujii?/?Nacása & Partners Inc.
© Koji Fujii?/?Nacása & Partners Inc.
© Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP Co., Ltd.
© Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP Co., Ltd.
© Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP Co., Ltd.
© Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP Co., Ltd.
© Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP Co., Ltd.
The Sayama Lakeside Cemetery Park, a green space with a cemetery, is located in the centre of the hilly landscape of Sayama in the Tokyo area. On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of its existence the decision was made to build a new chapel and community hall. The new chapel is located directly along the border ­between the cemetery and a neighbouring forest. It is open to all visitors regardless of their religious denomination.

The design aim was to develop a building that offers both a calm and intimate atmosphere, but is also integrated into the surrounding and its dense tree clusters in a harmonious way. In order to protect the trees and their branches the exterior facade of the chapel is folded ­inward. This leads to the formation of a typical Japanese roof type called Gassho (?? »praying hands«).