The Benesse House Oval is one of the buildings designed by Japanese architect, Tadao Ando as part of the Benesse Art Site Naoshima. The Benesse facility consists of four buildings, all designed by Ando: the Benesse House Museum, Oval (opened in 1995), Park and Beach (both opened in 2006) on the island of Naoshima.
This project was for an annex to the Benesse House hotel that was originally built in 1992. Located on the side of a hill, it was part of a complex of buildings that brought museums, galleries, conference facilities, a hotel and a restaurant all onto one site. The extension, which was 40 meters higher up at the top of the hill, is linked to the existing core of the unique Benesse complex by numerous walkways as well as a funicular monorail.
With an oval plan and only one level, the building is set in the heart of a forested area that boasts a lovely variety of plant and tree life. The annex also offers vista points from which to appreciate the lush vegetation and spectacular views of the Seto Inland Sea. (http://architectuul.com/)