Schemata have designed their first Japanese public bathhouse, known as a "Sento".

Japanese public bathhouses have been a long-time favourite communal gathering place where people feel a sense of connection to their communities.

Now that 95% of households in Japan own private bathrooms, many Sento have been forced to close due to a shrinking customer base, even though there are a certain number of long-time fans. In such a situation, Koganeyu boldly decided to renovate the existing bathhouse and continue its operations, and we were commissioned to undertake the renovation.

This project has been longlisted in the leisure and wellness interior category of Dezeen Awards 2021.

Designer: Jo Nagasaka / Schemata Architects
Project: Koganeyu
Read more: Jo Nagasaka / Schemata Architects