Yujin Hirase, Yuko Hirase (yHa architects)

Mt. Ontake eruption disaster in 2014, this visitor center was built in Tanohara (2,190 m above sea level) at the entrance to Mt. Ontake, the visitor center is set against the backdrop of the majestic mountain range that rises in front of the site, and its long, slanted red roof is designed to create a landscape that corresponds to the scale of the mountain. The roof structure is made of local timber and a box-shaped reinforced concrete exhibition space is a double-roofed shelter with a high level of safety as a precaution against the possibility of cinders from Mt. Ontake.