kengo kuma’s interwoven pavilion hovers amongst bamboo grove in tokyo

kengo kuma shapes an ethereal pavilion in kyoto

kengo kuma & associates has built an ethereal pavilion hovering among a bamboo grove of a temple in kyoto city, tokyo. the resulting composition presents itself as an interwoven pattern with a dynamic form that changes as the wind blows. beneath the floating cloth installation, a small relaxing area with a bathtub takes shape, inviting visitors to a soothing experience, forging a connection to nature. all images by kei sugimoto

overlooking the sky

kengo kuma & associates (see more here) has transformed a simple plane into an intricate structure. a flat canvas is woven three-dimensionally, forming a light ceiling that simultaneously provides views towards the sky. its patterned form frames a semi-open pavilion where filtered light tackles in. when the sun sets, the guests enjoy an intimate atmosphere where the play of light and shadow determine the space.

the way the cloth touches the bamboo trunks creates a delicate relationship between the elements, while from proper angles, the white installation seems to fade away into the surrounding scenery. ‘the method of using the living bamboo around it to support the cloth is the ‘losing architecture’ itself, and the white cloth sways as the wind blows,’  said the architects.

a play with lights and shadows

a bathtub with hot water

fading away into the surrounding scenery

project info:

name: kyoto ‘yudo’ pavilion

architects: kengo kuma & associates 

design team: kazuhiko miyazawa, erika mikami, tomohiro matsunaga, yoshiki an

area: 33 sqm

location: kyoto city, tokyo

photography: kei sugimoto

christina petridou I designboom

dec 28, 2021