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Yokogawa hydro spa

Ken Yokogawa Architects use laminated glass to design a striking hydro-therapy centre

Part of a Laminated Glass News series on Sports and Leisure facilities

The 1999 DuPont Benedictus judges said of Yokogawa's hydro-therapy spa: "This is a wonderful program for a therapeutic spa."

"We came to decide upon laminated glass architecture for the side that sloped gently south of the western ridge, believing that such a structure would best harmonize with the surrounding landscape." Ken Yokogawa

Ken Yokogawa Architects & Associates Inc. of Tokyo has used laminated glass to design a striking hydro-therapy centre in Japan that was honored by the 1999 DuPont Benedictus Awards.

The architects aimed to translate 'the vast scope and undulations of the surrounding scenery' into an architectural equivalent. The transparency of Yokogawa's Glass House provides panoramic views, literally making the scenery visible through the architecture. Connecting the swimming pool on the lowest level with the outside pool gives the impression that the sweeping scenery is close enough to touch from the end of the cantilevered deck.