Teepee-shaped buildings by Issei Suma house community kitchen and spiral-shaped pool
This cluster of tent-like structures was designed by Tokyo architect Issei Suma to provide meals and accommodation to the elderly residents of a small Japanese community (+ slideshow).
![Teepee-shaped Jikka complex by Issei Suma features community kitchen and spiral-shaped pool](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/08/Koya-Issei-Suma_dezeen_3408_16-852x639.jpg)
Called Jikka, the small complex is made up of five pointy structures, containing an assortment of facilities including a spiral-shaped paddling pool and a spacious kitchen.
![Teepee-shaped Jikka complex by Issei Suma features community kitchen and spiral-shaped pool](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/08/Koya-Issei-Suma_dezeen_3408_14-852x568.jpg)
Suma designed the buildings for a pair of ladies in their 60s, one a social worker and the other a cook.
![Teepee-shaped Jikka complex by Issei Suma features community kitchen and spiral-shaped pool](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/08/Koya-Issei-Suma_dezeen_3408_15-852x568.jpg)
Located on a rural site in Japan's mountainous Shizuoka Prefecture, the 100-square-metre complex functions as both their home and workplace.
It facilitates a food delivery service for older people, but also offers nursing care to people with disabilities.
![Teepee-shaped Jikka complex by Issei Suma features community kitchen and spiral-shaped pool](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/08/Koya-Issei-Suma_dezeen_3408_1-852x568.jpg)
Each of the five buildings is square-shaped in plan, and they all overlap one another. Walls take the form of an arch, while the roofs are pointed, giving the structures their teepee-like appearance.
Suma describes the scheme as a "a small complex of five little huts joined together".
![Teepee-shaped Jikka complex by Issei Suma features community kitchen and spiral-shaped pool](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/08/Koya-Issei-Suma_dezeen_3408_0-852x568.jpg)
Externally, the buildings are wrapped with slender wooden panels.
The supporting structure is revealed inside, comprising both concrete walls and timber roof beams.
![Teepee-shaped Jikka complex by Issei Suma features community kitchen and spiral-shaped pool](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/08/Koya-Issei-Suma_dezeen_3408_11-852x568.jpg)
Each block serves a different function.
The largest block, located at the centre, contains a spacious stainless-steel kitchen where meals for delivery are prepared. This room also includes a small dining area.
![Teepee-shaped Jikka complex by Issei Suma features community kitchen and spiral-shaped pool](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/08/Koya-Issei-Suma_dezeen_3408_6-852x1277.jpg)
The two blocks to the west provide living quarters for the clients, including a shared bedroom, a bathroom and a storage area.
![Teepee-shaped Jikka complex by Issei Suma features community kitchen and spiral-shaped pool](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/08/Koya-Issei-Suma_dezeen_3408_8-852x1278.jpg)
To the east, one block accommodates two beds for guests.
The other block contains the spiral-shaped pool, which was designed to allow easy access for wheelchair users.
![Teepee-shaped Jikka complex by Issei Suma features community kitchen and spiral-shaped pool](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/08/Koya-Issei-Suma_dezeen_3408_7-852x639.jpg)
Issei Suma launched his studio, called Suma, in 2011. Other completed projects include a glass and steel office slotted behind the crumbling exterior of a 100-year-old cowshed.
But Suma isn't the first Japanese architect to experiment with tent-shaped buildings.
Hiroshi Nakamura and his studio NAP previously completed a woodland home that looks like a cluster of timber tepees.
Photography is by Takumi Ota.
![Koya-Issei-Suma_plan_dezeen_1](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/08/Koya-Issei-Suma_plan_dezeen_1.gif)
![Koya-Issei-Suma_sections_1](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2016/08/Koya-Issei-Suma_sections_1-852x992.jpg)