by ArchitectureWeek

At the AIA Convention in May, the 9th annual Dupont Benedictus Award winners were announced. First prize went to Takahashi Yamaguchi and Masahiro Kato of Osaka, Japan's Takahashi Yamaguchi & Associates for their design of a largely underground addition to a 17th century temple.

Yamaguchi, Kato, and other winners demonstrated innovative ways to exploit the qualities of laminated glass in their designs. This material was chosen for the temple addition for its color rendition and for its durability in the near-ground level glazed ceiling.

DuPont, prime sponsor of the Dupont Benedictus Awards, has developed several laminated glazing technologies. Key components are layers of plastic material which are applied either on a glass surface or between layers of glass. The plastic film adds to the composite the properties of shatter resistance, visual clarity, protection from ultraviolet radiation, sound reduction, and resistance to wind and snow loads. Laminated layers can also add color or texture.

Space-Age Glass/ Middle-Ages Temple

The goal of the Yamaguchi/Kato design was to protect the tradition of the existing imperial temple, Reigenko-ji, built by Emperor Gorniquno-o in 1638. To maintain harmony and create a meditative space without conflicting with the integrity of the ancient temple, the architects placed the new building entirely underground.

The only section visible from above ground is a glass box that provides top light for the white underground space.

Aerial view of the skylight of an addition to a 17th century temple by Takahashi Yamaguchi & Associates. Photo: Masatoshi Okumura In the center of Yamaguchi's entrance hall is a light court of frosted glass that vertically penetrates the building. Photo: Takashi Yamaguchi & Associates   Click on thumbnail images to view full-size pictures.