Set amid fruit trees and a dense bamboo grove, this single-storey building with a simple saddleback roof is enclosed within almost fully glazed facades that reflect the natural surroundings. The museum, which depicts the history of the region, its geography, flora and fauna, is integrated into the carefully restored remains of an ensemble of buildings dating from ca. AD 794. After passing through the historic portal, visitors enter the spacious, elongated new tract, in the middle of which is a closed core containing offices, stores and sanitary spaces. The core was constructed in reinforced concrete for seismic reasons. The zone along the facades is used for exhibitions and other events. The open plan and transparent skin create the impression of a covered outdoor space, with flowing transitions between the exhibition and the landscape. The roof, too, is broken by areas of glazing, which allow a top-lighting of the interior. Andrea Wiegelmann