Pop-Up Cards: Vories Architecture
Yesterday I updated my main website.
I updated the pop-up cards of the buildings in Shiga Prefecture, featuring both new creations and revised versions of past works. Since I covered the revisions in my previous blog post, this article will focus solely on the new pieces.
All three new pieces feature buildings designed by the Vories Architectural Office.
The first photo shows the former Minakuchi Library in Koka City.
Built in 1928, this library was in use until 1970. After the library relocated, it served as a textbook center. In 2004, reinforcement work was carried out, and the preservation and utilization organization “Wakagi no Kai” was established. It seems this association manages the building’s maintenance while handling rental operations.
Also in Koka City, there is the former the head office of Terasho Bank.
It was used as the Shiga Bank Konan Branch until 2007, so it’s often referred to by that name. Its registered tangible cultural property designation is also “Former Shiga Bank Konan Branch.” It was originally built in 1925 as the head office of Terasho Bank.
After the bank relocated, it stood vacant, but local volunteers began revitalization efforts around 2022. Looking at Instagram, it seems the interior was recently renovated, and they are about to start renting out the space.
It’s heartening to see volunteers actively utilizing local buildings like this.
The third card is the Tucker House of the Voris Memorial Hospital.
It was built in 1918 as the main building of the Omi Ryoyoin (Sanatorium). It was named the “Anna Danforth Tucker Memorial Hall” after the mother of Mary Tucker, an American who donated funds for the sanatorium’s construction.
It served as a ward until around 1980. After that, it was used solely as an administration building for a while, but due to deterioration, the hospital announced plans for demolition in 2005.
A preservation campaign was launched in response, saving it from demolition.
Renovation work took place over ten years starting in 2012, and the interior is now open for viewing during events.
Omihachiman City plans to hold tours of Voris architecture and special public viewings in autumn 2025.
The Tucker House is included among the sites to be opened.
The open days are November 19, 2025, and December 1-6, 2025 (7 days total). Volunteer guides will provide tours of the Tucker House, Chapel, and Goyokan.
Groups require reservations, but individuals can participate without booking. The fee is 1,000 yen.
(For details, see the Omihachiman City website.)
Also please note that the pop-up card pattern of the former Minakuchi Library have been made available on the main website.
[Reference] (all pages are written in Japanese)
"Vories Architecture, Tours & special public viewings" (Omihachiman City Official Tourism Site / viewed 2025-09-16)
"Vories Building, Former the head office of Terasho Bank" (Instagram / viewed 2025-09-16)