Kazuhiro Kojima and Kazuko Akamatsu designed this new elementary school in Kumamoto so that its interior space can function as part of the exterior environment. The two-story building has L-shaped structural walls which loosely form classrooms and other rooms. When the foldable doors between the RC walls are open, the entire space – including the exterior courtyards and surroundings – is seamlessly connected. The upper level floor is covered with wooden decking so that the students can actively use the exterior space.

The architects won the project through Kumamoto Artpolis competition.