Funamoto Dental Clinic Design by STUDIO ALUC
A staggered architectural response to the harsh coastal climate of Uchinada, Japan.
1Project Overview and Scope
The Funamoto Dental Clinic, completed in 2025, represents a comprehensive design project by STUDIO ALUC. Located in Uchinada, Ishikawa Prefecture, the facility spans 262 square meters. The firm managed the entire development process, encompassing the architectural structure, interior spatial planning, and the creation of custom furniture pieces for the clinic.
2Environmental Design Drivers
The design strategy was heavily influenced by the specific climate of the Hokuriku region. Architects Hirona Sasaki and Jun Kameda addressed the persistent overcast skies and the powerful winds blowing from the Sea of Japan. These environmental factors dictated the building's orientation and its unique, staggered four-volume structural configuration.
3Site Geometry and Form
The project site features an irregular triangular shape, which presented significant spatial challenges for the design team. By utilizing four staggered volumes, the architects optimized the 262-square-meter footprint. This fragmented approach allows the building to sit effectively within the constrained boundaries while creating distinct functional zones for the dental practice.
4Collaborative Engineering Framework
The project involved a multi-disciplinary team to ensure structural and mechanical integrity. 2321Architects provided architectural support, while soaps handled structural engineering. Electrical and mechanical systems were managed by Sakuragumi and Y.M.O. respectively. Lighting design was executed by ModuleX Inc., ensuring that the interior spaces remain functional despite the region's overcast weather.
5Materiality and Construction
The construction of the clinic utilized a combination of glass, steel, and concrete to withstand the local coastal conditions. These materials were selected for their durability against the harsh weather patterns of the Ishikawa Prefecture. OMOTEGUMI, LTD. served as the general contractor, overseeing the assembly of these structural elements throughout the build.
6Interior and Custom Furniture
STUDIO ALUC extended their design scope to include custom furniture, ensuring a cohesive aesthetic throughout the clinic. By integrating bespoke pieces, the interior layout complements the staggered architectural volumes. This holistic approach ensures that the clinical environment remains patient-centered while maintaining the visual language established by the exterior building form.
7Regional Architectural Context
The clinic reflects the broader trend of contemporary healthcare architecture in Japan, where site-specific climate adaptation is prioritized. By responding to the specific wind loads and light conditions of Uchinada, the project demonstrates how small-scale medical facilities can integrate into challenging landscapes. The design avoids generic forms in favor of site-responsive, functional geometry.
8Strategic Design Implications
The completion of this clinic highlights the importance of integrated design services in modern healthcare projects. By controlling architecture, interiors, and furniture, STUDIO ALUC maintained strict design consistency. This project serves as a case study for managing irregular site constraints through modular, staggered massing, ultimately providing a resilient space for dental care.
Original article: ArchDaily Global — Funamoto Dental Clinic Design by STUDIO ALUC