せっかく彫刻的な屋根を作るのであれば、何か面白い方法でつくれないかということで、木材をジェンガのように積み重ね、3Dで削り出す技術を使って作ることにした。検討にあたっては１／5のモックアップをつくり、実際に小さな鐘も吊るして檀家の皆さまに見ていただき、最終決定となった。

現場で建て方が終わった時の仕上げのない木の塊の状態がきれいだったので、屋根を葺いてしまうのが惜しいと感じたが、防水のことを考えるとやはり仕上げが必要である。そこで、木々がその表面を厚い皮で覆われているように、杉皮をつかって屋根を葺くことにした。葺くにあたって、呉工業高等専門学校の皆さんに全面的に協力いただき、ワークショップで杉皮を一枚一枚を手作業でカットして、職人さん指導の下屋根へと張っていった。屋根を見ると、その一枚一枚を人の手によって思いこめて作られていることがわかり、それがこの鐘つき堂の存在感へと繋がっていると感じる。

Since we were making a sculptural roof, we wondered if an interesting technique could be used. We decided to stack wood in Jenga-style and carve out a form in 3D. We made a 1/5 scale mock-up with an actual small bell hanging from it for the monks to see, which ultimately finalized the design.

After the construction was finished on site, we felt it was a shame to put a roof on the building because it was beautiful in its unfinished wooden block state, but considering the need to waterproof, a roof was necessary. Therefore, we decided to use cedar bark for the roofing so the trees would look like they are covered with a thick layer of bark. With the full cooperation of the people of Kure National Institute of Technology, each piece of cedar bark was cut by hand in a workshop and installed onto the roof under the craftsmen’s guidance. When one looks at the roof, one would be able to see that every single piece of roof material was hand-made with great care, and this is what gives the bell tower a sense of presence.

Many people attended the bell tower’s completion ceremony, including monks and students of Kure National Institute of Technology. We were able to catch a glimpse of how this place will become a new base for the town, and a node that will bring everyone together. We sincerely hope that the Bell Ringing Hall will be loved by everyone for a long time.