This building is located on the Kyodogakusha Shintoku Farm, a place established for people who, for various reasons, have had to live at a distance from mainstream society. Alongside dairy farming and agriculture, the farm produces cheese that has gained international recognition. In recent years, thanks to this growing reputation, an increasing number of people—both from the local community and from around the world—have come to the farm to learn the craft of cheesemaking.
Having this situation as a background, the building was required not only to serve as a facility for those who live and work on the farm, but also to function as a gathering space for a wide range of activities: from cheesemaking workshops and cooking classes open to the local community, to conferences and training sessions aimed at revitalizing welfare, agricultural tourism, and dairy production throughout the Tokachi region where the farm is located.
Based on these needs, the building was conceived and designed with two defining features: a “broad veranda” and a “flat roof.” These elements are not only well-suited to withstand the cold, snowy climate unique to northern regions, but also act as devices that bring to the fore the subtle murmurs and seasonal changes of the surrounding natural environment—elements that might otherwise be overlooked in such a harsh climate. By resonating with this ever-changing landscape, the building encourages a range of gatherings and activities, offering opportunities for new kinds of spatial expressions. It aspires to become a new architectural typology for northern regions.

This building was named “Karimpani” by the people living on the farm, reflecting their heartfelt connection to the place.
In the Ainu language, Karimpani refers to the Ezoyamazakura (Hokkaido cherry), which stands gracefully rooted in the northern land.