Orandajima House: A Unique After School Facility and Community Centre

Rebuilding Japan with a Child-Focused Design

Located on the central coastline of Iwate prefecture, Yamada-machi was almost completely destroyed by the tsunami. In response to the urgent need for a facility where children could find solace and support, Martin van der Linden and several major companies came together to create the Orandajima House. The inspiration for this project came from witnessing the devastation firsthand and a strong desire to help the community.

The Orandajima House stands out for its unique design and features. The building is positioned to maximize natural daylight, allowing it to penetrate deep into the interior during the winter months. In contrast, an overhang provides shade during the summer months. The west side of the building features a translucent polycarbonate window, which creates beautiful patterns as the orange light of dusk filters through, reminiscent of traditional Japanese rice paper screens.

The design of the Orandajima House was carefully considered to create a calm and soothing environment for the children. The use of bright colors was intentionally avoided, as the space aims to provide a sense of tranquility rather than excitement. The architecture seeks to enhance the context and the way light travels through the building, creating a quiet and poetic experience of space.

The construction of the Orandajima House was not without its challenges. Bureaucratic hurdles and financial restraints slowed down the progress of the project. However, by working closely with the local government and the bureaucrats of Yamada-machi, these obstacles were overcome. Financial difficulties were resolved through generous donations from various companies, with Canada Wood being the main donor, providing 20 percent of the total construction cost in the form of wood and wood products.

The Orandajima House officially opened its doors on May 25, 2014, providing a much-needed space for the children of Yamada-machi to heal and rebuild their lives. This project serves as a testament to the power of design in bringing communities together and creating spaces that have a positive impact on people's well-being.

Photography: Josh Lieberman, Martin van der Linden

Awards: The Orandajima House was awarded the Silver A' Design Award in 2015 in the category of Architecture, Building, and Structure Design. This prestigious award recognizes the outstanding expertise, innovation, and technical characteristics of the design, as well as its ability to evoke positive emotions and wonder.