Case-Real Co., Ltd.

Whale Brewery

Whale Brewery 

CASE-REAL

Whale Brewery
© Hiroshi Mizusaki
Whale Brewery
© Hiroshi Mizusaki

ARCHITECTS
Case-real

LIGHTING DESIGN
Branch Lighting Design, Tatsuki Nakamura

CONSTRUCTION
Ob

DESIGN TEAM
Koichi Futatsumata, Koichi Shimohira

BRANDING AND GRAPHIC DESIGN
Tetusin Design, Takayuki Senzaki, Toru Hisamatsu, Maika Okubo

PHOTOGRAPHS
Hiroshi Mizusaki

AREA
194 M²

YEAR
2023

LOCATION
Saga, Japan

CATEGORY
Retail, Brewery

Whale Brewery
© Hiroshi Mizusaki

A project to renovate an 80-year-old traditional Japanese house as a craft beer brewery called "Whale Brewing." Yobuko, which once prospered as a whaling base during the Edo period, is now known for its squid fishing industry.

However, the town has been facing challenges such as a declining population due to the outmigration of the younger generation and an increase in vacant houses.

Whale Brewery
© Hiroshi Mizusaki
Whale Brewery
© Hiroshi Mizusaki

This project was initiated with the desire of the client to revitalize the town in the face of these conditions.

The chosen location for the project was an old traditional house situated along a street known as "Yobuko Asaichi-dori," where local seafood and processed goods stalls are set up every morning.

Whale Brewery
© Hiroshi Mizusaki
Whale Brewery
© Hiroshi Mizusaki

After serving as both a shop and residence for many years, the house for the site had become vacant, suffering from issues such as leaks and deterioration, particularly in the façade. In addition to this, the interior structure needed reinforcement, as well as repair for the roof and exterior walls.

On the other hand, after the interior was dismantled, a powerful structure with a maximum height of approximately 9 meters emerged.

Whale Brewery
© Hiroshi Mizusaki
Whale Brewery
© Hiroshi Mizusaki

Through numerous discussions with the client, we decided to not only perform necessary architectural renovations but also incorporate the strong characteristics this building possesses into the new brewery. We aimed to create a space where the new establishment and the street in front of it would feel connected.

Architecturally, the building features a store space with a ceiling toward the façade side, while a portion of the brewing area utilizes an atrium to create an impressive void.

Whale Brewery
© Hiroshi Mizusaki
Whale Brewery
© Hiroshi Mizusaki

Furthermore, the façade, including the atrium section, is glass, allowing the interior to have a ceiling while still showcasing the impressive wooden framework towards the street, evoking a brewery-like atmosphere.

On the floor plan, a slope connects the rear of the building, which was elevated due to ground conditions.

Whale Brewery
© Hiroshi Mizusaki
Whale Brewery
© Hiroshi Mizusaki

Stainless steel was used for various parts, such as the counter and handles, creating a sense of material continuity with the tanks in the brewing space.

Additionally, some of the façade pillars serving a structural purpose were made from solid Japanese cypress, emphasizing the height of the space, and by incorporating rounded shapes into the pillars, we succeeded in adding a sense of softness while integrating structure and design.

Whale Brewery
© Hiroshi Mizusaki
Whale Brewery
© Hiroshi Mizusaki

By combining the new functions of the brewery with the original characteristics of the building, we hope that this will become a new landmark in Yobuko, firmly rooted in the local community.


Whale Brewery
© Hiroshi Mizusaki
Whale Brewery
© Hiroshi Mizusaki
Whale Brewery
© Hiroshi Mizusaki


Whale Brewery
Plan - Ground Floor
Whale Brewery
Plan - 1st Floor


Whale Brewery
Section
Whale Brewery
Diagram

Case-Real Co., Ltd.
T +81 92 7180770 F +81 92 7180777
Case-Real Co., Ltd.
1-9-8 Imagawa Chuoh-Ku Fukuoka 810-0054, Japan