DESPITE SENTO OR PUBLIC BATHHOUSES’ RECEDING IN SIGNIFICANCE IN THE JAPANESE SOCIETY, ITS INSTILLED CULTURAL VALUES HAVE INSPIRED SCHEMATA ARCHITECTS TO TRANSFORM KOGANEYU, THE NEARLY FIFTY-YEAR-OLD ESTABLISHMENT IN TOKYO TO BETTER ACCOMMODATE THE MORE CONTEMPORARY FUNCTIONAL DEMANDS
TEXT: PRATCHAYAPOL LERTWICHA
PHOTO: YURIKA KONO
(For Thai, press here)
Despite Sento or public bathhouses’ receding in significance in the Japanese society (with bathrooms now a part of almost every Japanese household), its instilled cultural values have inspired Schemata Architects to transform Koganeyu, the nearly fifty-year-old establishment in Tokyo to better accommodate the more contemporary functional demands.
The Japanese architect has choosen to preserve the original mood and tone while bringing a new vibe to the revamped bathhouse. The front desk at the lobby becomes a DJ booth and beer bar with special night events held regularly. The counter is clad with small ceramic tiles, bringing a warmer and more welcoming feel to the reception space. The tiles’ beige color bears a lovely contrast with the wall’s exposed concrete surface.
The hot water zone still sees the traditional layout with separated male and female quarters. The same beige tiles are also used in this part of the space partly for its easy-to-clean and anti-slippery surface. The architect chooses Tawada stone for the heated baths’ inside finish for a more fulfilling hot tub experience. The stone reveals blue/green hues when wet, making the water look clean and visually pleasant.
There are several other details of this renovation. The design sees the use of dark concrete with a rough surface at the sauna and a cold water zone to help prevent slipperiness. The birch plywood finish of the dressing room lockers is chosen for its anti-humidity properties while the woven vinyl floor is chosen since it dries quicker. The artwork on the walls is hand-drawn by a local artist, adding an upbeat, fun vibe to this urban Sento.