Higo | Hokkaidō, Japan | 2015

Architects: nA Nakayama Architects co., Ltd.
Client: nA Nakayama Architects co. Ltd.
General Contractor: Futaba Kensetsu Co., Ltd.
Landscape Architects: Needs Co., Ltd.
Photographers: Ken Gos

CORPORATE BUILDING

This is the project that I challenged of using thin materials (thinness like bamboo toothpick) for architectural.

It is 3-story steel structure and designs with keywords “slim”, “small” and “thin.”

I always think about how could I replace the large amount of books and materials with architect; can every individual book become an interior; can windows be open to any angle without limit (freely)?

I also investigated on, can building be delicate and elegant while steel structure is bareness.

The second feature of this building is using 50⨯50⨯100㎜cork blocks as materials.

The cork has properties of lightweight, sound absorbency, insulation and is made in crap wood of the bark of the cork oak.

The sustainable and fast growing cork oak is expected materials in the future.

Again, these corks won’t catch fire by burner. In the future, I wish to have moss or plants grow on these corks, so this architecture will become part of nature.

Building inside is just like steel shop; all bare steel are just as what you see, such as rust without intention.

The steel plate on the back of bookshelf is just like Japanese Painting, and the bare thin steel-bars are as Japanese old architecture.

The configuration of delicate materials are modest while define the space. Just like revival of Japanese Architecture of ancient times, beauty, character and fill with sense of ease.

And because of these bookshelves are around the whole building so it able to take seismic force and wind pressure.