Kurosawa Kahara-ten builds a moss-covered roof for the waiting area
The Sekiyuan waiting area in Ichihara City, Chiba, Japanacts as a small structure where guests wait briefly before entering the adjacent building tearoom. Designed and built by Kurosawa Kawara-ten Working with an architect and an artist, rather than professional builders, the project explores how informal building practices can contribute to contemporary architectural culture using the DIT (Do It Together) approach.
The structure introduces a deformed single slope Roof supported on three points. The surface is finished with mortar mixed with the earth excavated from the foundation and extends over the gables and eaves to create a uniform appearance. No waterproofing has been applied, allowing the surface to retain moisture and ultimately support moss growth. The intentionally low point of the roof at the rear subtly encourages visitors to bow as they enter, contributing to the spatial etiquette of the tea ceremony while reducing hierarchical differences between guests. The diagonal opening of the roof creates a clear directional gesture and guides movement through the alley.
All images by Masato Chiba
Raw earth materials form the waiting area of the Sekiyuan Teahouse
The project responds to the existing gardens on the site. The landscape plan developed by Takeda-ya Sakuteiten introduced new paths and a bench-like waiting area with irregularly placed bricks and tiles. These elements shaped the building's informal composition and its focus on reinterpreting conventional forms. Built without professional builders, the project uses its small and inessential program to emphasize the act of building. Tasks such as cutting wood, carving components, excavating earth and mixing mortar are central to the project intent and highlight construction as a practical, responsive process. The floating roof made of mortar and earth conveys a slight sense of instability, increasing spatial awareness and anticipation as visitors approach the tea room.
Using accessible materials and manual techniques, the project reflects the diminishing role of amateur participation in contemporary construction. It shows how small, non-urgent structures can reintroduce flexibility, experimentation and a sense of agency in shaping one's environment. The Sekiyuan waiting area of studio Kurosawa Kawara-ten positions this approach not as a nostalgic reconstruction, but as a way to restore forms of sociability and a fundamental understanding of how spaces can be created.
Small waiting structure marking the entrance to the Sekiyuan Tea Room
a single slope roof supported at three key points