Mito City Shimoirino Health Promotion Center | MIKAMI Architects

The site is located in the eastern hills away from the center of Mito City (Ibaraki Prefecture, the same Kanto region as Tokyo). As a result of searching for the spread foundation located near the bedrock, a strap-like shape emerged. We built a slanting roof over the facility, giving it a Japanese-style look and feel. It is integrated into the surrounding environment and includes a gymnasium, various activity rooms, a swimming pool, and a bathhouse with a sauna. The glass curtain wall under the continuous ribbon roof provides a good view from the inside and an active atmosphere from the outside.

The facility is conveniently located at the corner of a crossroad. Considering the needs of people with limited mobility and families with elderly and children, a portion of the building extends into the parking lot as a porch for shelter from the wind and rain, with a parking area underneath and a one-way system throughout the lot to ensure safe driving. The building is also a barrier-free facility. By concentrating the main use space on the first floor and placing the frequently used fitness, swimming, bathing, and changing rooms in the center, the distance to each area has been shortened, thus from the elderly to children can have a relaxing and safe time here.

The continuous winding corridors and floor-to-ceiling corner windows bring in good natural light from the outside and allow users to immerse themselves in unobstructed panoramic views. Also, lively scenes are shown by the glass walls. While in the interior, the active use of wooden materials created a warm and intimate atmosphere.

This center not only serves the local community as a healing resting place but its wealth of features and convenience also has expanded its customer base and revitalized the entire community.

The main structure of the building is a durable, fire-resistant reinforced concrete structure. A steel frame structure consisting of small cross-sectional materials has been used in more open areas such as the swimming pool and gymnasium. The planned lifetime of the structure is set at 100 years. Even in a large earthquake, the structure will maintain its safety by minimizing deformation. The solar panels on the roof will provide temporary energy for residents who come to the facility in an emergency.