wooden

Wooden elements “take centre stage” in Studio Frantzén restaurant

By Zarkon Group,15/12/2023

Scandinavian and Japanese influences come together at Studio Frantzén, a restaurant in London’s Harrods department store designed by Joyn Studio.

Stockholm-based Joyn Studio created the sleek interiors for Studio Frantzén – the latest restaurant opened by chef Björn Frantzén.

Back-lit glass brick bar at the Studio Frantzén restaurant — Top: visitors enter via a domed reception area. Above: the bar is characterised by back-lit glass bricks

The two-storey eatery is arranged across a main restaurant and bar on the fifth floor, as well as on an additional mezzanine and rooftop terrace on the sixth floor of Harrods.

In stark contrast to the department store’s famed Edwardian baroque terracotta facade, Studio Frantzén features a contemporary palette that takes cues from both Scandinavian and Japanese design – a trend known as Japandi.

Bar at Harrods by Joyn Studio — Studio Frantzén is located across two levels at Harrods

Visitors enter the restaurant at a domed reception area, which references Scandinavian churches and forest chapels, according to the studio.

The curved walls were clad with blocky cherry wood while illustrations of Nordic animals by Ragnar Persson decorate the ceiling and a Swedish wooden Dala horse was perched on the welcome desk.

“Undoubtedly, wood takes centre stage in this restaurant,” Joyn Studio founding partner Ida Wanler told Dezeen.

Main restaurant with bespoke timber seating by Joyn Studio — The main restaurant is composed of two dining halls

The reception area gives way to a “glowing” bar composed of stacks of glass bricks bathed in amber light, which is mirrored by a ceiling of gridded copper.

Informed by traditional Japanese izakaya – a type of casual watering hole serving snacks – the large main restaurant is composed of two dining halls with bespoke geometric terrazzo and marble flooring.

Bespoke timber seating illuminated by a chandelier — One features bespoke timber seating

One hall features an open kitchen and Joyn Studio-designed chunky seating booths and sofas carved out of end-grain wood. This was sourced from a large Hungarian pine tree, cut into cubes and then glued together piece by piece.

This double-height space is illuminated by a spindly oversized chandelier by Swedish studio Front.

Gridded ceiling within dining hall — The other follows the same gridded geometry as the bar

The other dining hall, tucked around the corner and connected to a wine cellar, follows the same geometry as the bar.

Sliding timber doors and a gridded wooden ceiling are interrupted by ultramarine benches in booths and delicate, ribbed paper lampshades.

“To create a distinctive Nordic dining experience with Asian influences within a historic London building, we delved into the architectural and design legacy of the early 20th century,” explained Wanler.

“Inspired by the journeys of our predecessors to the far east, where they assimilated influences and pioneered a style known as Swedish Grace, we embraced the resonances between traditional Japanese and Nordic architecture and craftsmanship,” she continued.

Mezzanine level by Joyn Studio — Mirrored artwork by Caia Leifsdotter was included in the mezzanine

On the upper floor, the mezzanine includes three intimate dining booths accentuated by a burnt orange carpet and a wall-mounted Psychedelic Mirror by designer Caia Leifsdotter.

Characterised by marble, rattan and wooden accents, the rooftop terrace offers expansive city views.

“Aiming to infuse creativity into the traditional luxury context of Harrods, we envisioned a relaxed and comfortable ambiance with sparks of richness created in unexpected ways,” said Wanler.

In 2022, Joyn Studio was longlisted for the title of emerging interior design studio of the year at the Dezeen Awards.

Elsewhere at Harrods, fashion house Prada recently opened a green-hued pop-up cafe that referenced one of Milan’s oldest patisseries.

The photography is by Åsa Liffner.

wooden hanok roof frame tops nomal’s restaurant in korea

By Zarkon Group,04/12/2023

NOMAL’s Joomak revitalizes abandoned house in Palbok-dong

NOMAL studio’s project, Joomak, revitalizes the landscape of Palbok-dong in Jeonju, Korea, addressing the challenges of neglected industrial zones and structures. The once-thriving industrial area faced a decline during the 1990s, resulting in abandoned factories and neglected spaces. The project is part of the ‘MBC Empty House 3’ initiative that aims to regenerate four old disused houses in Palbok-dong. The design transforms one of the old structures into a modern restaurant, incorporating elements of traditional hanok architecture and a spatial layout resembling a Joomak, a term for a traditional Korean tavern.

all images by © Roh Kyung

renovation project preserves existing structural elements

The design team at NOMAL prioritizes the preservation of the building’s historical integrity, emphasizing existing structural elements and traces integral to the town’s long-standing village landscape. For the hanok, a meticulous process involves the removal of the roof to prevent structural collapse. The deteriorated wood structure undergoes reinforcement by enveloping the lower section with metal and infilling it with concrete. To meet contemporary load requirements and enhance roof performance, modern materials are employed in place of traditional roof tiles.

the project transforms an old structure into a modern restaurant, integrating traditional hanok elements

open layout blurs the boundaries between inside and outside

The project is centered around the concept of openness. Various design elements intentionally blur the distinction between indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a symbolic representation of an external environment within the interior. Utilizing metal for exterior walls and extending it to the kitchen and main hall, along with an opening directly connecting the roof frame with the interior ceiling, conveys the internal hall as a symbolic external space akin to a traditional joomak. Additionally, floor-to-ceiling windows facing the landscape further dissolve the delineation between the inside and outside, ensuring a visually open atmosphere within the relatively narrow space. The conversion of the adjacent vacant lot into a green patio enhances the ‘Joomak’s’ front yard prominence. This project initiates the process of revitalizing Palbok-dong through urban regeneration.

NOMAL preserves the building’s historical integrity and existing structural elements

deteriorated wood structure is reinforced, enveloping the lower part with metal and infilling it with concrete

the project’s core concept revolves around openness, blurring lines between indoor and outdoor spaces

Eight sculptural wooden staircases that bring warmth to the home

By Zarkon Group,04/11/2023

Our latest lookbook features eight sculptural staircases made of wood that make a statement and bring warmth to apartments from Hong Kong to Boston.

Often the organizing principle in the planning of any space, a staircase can either blend in or stand out.

The eight gathered in this lookbook lean into the latter – showcasing both the structural abilities of wood like larch, birch and plywood and demonstrating how circulation need not be boring.

From a completely pre-fabricated staircase in a Boston apartment to a plywood spiral staircase twisting from the loft of a renovated barn in the Netherlands, these sculptural stairs create a visually striking centrepiece, as well as a fun way to traverse a house.

This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration see previous lookbooks featuring rustic Italian interiors, autumnal bedrooms and show-stealing dining room tables.

Hairpin House, USA, Studio J Jih and Figure

Located in Boston’s South End neighbourhood, this historic townhouse renovation sees a four-storey interior plan wrapped around a white oak staircase that spirals around a 40-foot-high (12-metre-high) atrium.

“Aptly named Hairpin House, the project takes the tight, unpredictable, and ultimately poetic switchback turns of a mountain road as inspiration for the overall renovation – and in particular a new unravelling central stair,” said the design team.

Find out more about Hairpin House ›

Linehouse Cape Drive residence — Photo by Jonathan Leijonhufvud

Cape Drive Residence, Hong Kong, Linehouse

Just a short walk from the beaches of Hong Kong’s south side, this three-storey house channels “coastal essence” through natural materials and light, Chinese studio Linehouse told Dezeen.

An “easy flow” was also imbued into the design, created in part by a timber stairwell that’s tucked to the side and – save for a white metallic screen – is open to the living spaces.

Find out more about Cape Drive Residence ›

A wooden staircase with a planting bed at the base — Photo by Frank Frances

Mass Timber House, USA, Schiller Projects

According to design studio Schiller Projects, this renovated carriage home in Brooklyn is the borough’s first single-family residence that uses mass timber construction.

Besides repurposed wooden elements like timber panels and floorboards used for the project, the house features a pre-fabricated glue-laminated timber (glulam) staircase that can be completely disassembled.

Find out more about Mass Timber House ›

Plywood spiral staircase in Barn at the Ahof by Julia van Beuningen — Photo by Alex Baxter

Barn at the Ahof, the Netherlands, Julia van Beuningen

Architectural designer Julia Van Beuningen converted this Gelderland barn into a holiday home complete with a spiral staircase made out of plywood at the heart of the floor plan, which contrasts the more rustic materials of the surrounding building.

“This is very different and very unusual in a barn like this,” said Van Beuningen. “It’s something you either love or hate, but it’s definitely a statement.”

Find out more about Barn at the Ahof ›

Carroll Gardens Townhouse, USA, Starling Architecture and Emily Lindberg Design

New York studios Starling Architecture and Emily Lindberg Design merged a two-family dwelling into one for the owner’s growing family.

White oak running throughout the two units unifies the project, which includes the addition of a new wooden staircase covered by a slated screen made of the same material.

Find out more about Carroll Gardens Townhouse ›

Larch Loft extension in London by Whittaker Parsons — Photo by Jim Stephenson

Stoke Newington loft, UK, Whittaker Parsons

Architecture firm Whittaker Parsons was tasked with adding a loft to a house in Stoke Newington, London, as well as updating spaces throughout the lower floors.

With efficiency and quality in mind, the studio used prefabricated structural insulated panels (SIP) to construct the new loft. The space is accessed by a spiral staircase made of larch that’s topped with a skylight.

Find out more about Stoke Newington loft ›

Staircase and kitchen in Dragon Flat by Tsuruta Architects — Photo is by Tim Croker

Dragon Flat, UK, Tsuruta Architects

A floating timber staircase features in this flat in London, which is outfitted with walls CNC-etched with images of peonies, dragons, bats and the Thames.

The central staircase allows light to filter into the kitchen and living room below, while solid timber bricks act as landings on either side.

Find out more about Dragon Flat ›

Elsternwick Penthouse in Melbourne by Office Alex Nicholls — Photo by Rory Gardiner

Elsternwick penthouse, Australia, Office Alex Nicholls

The timber staircases in this Melbourne house were integrated into its “library spine” an organizing corridor that contains the family’s collection of books, art and artefacts.

“From a practical standpoint, it allowed everything to be easily accessible and displayed but it also helps to draw people through the apartment and celebrate the two staircases to the roof garden at either end,” said Office Alex Nicholls founder Alex Nicholls.

Find out more about Elsternwick penthouse ›

Studio Hinge creates library spaces beneath tree-like wooden columns

By Zarkon Group,30/10/2023

Indian practice Studio Hinge has completed Forest of Knowledge, a library in Mumbai that sits beneath a tree-like canopy of latticed wood.

The library was designed for the Cricket Club of India, a member’s club dating back to the 1930s that is housed in an art deco building in southern Mumbai.

Forest pf Knowledge library — Columns were created to resemble tree trunks

Adapting the third floor of this building, Studio Hinge looked to recreate the feeling of “sitting under a tree with a book” by reimagining the structure’s concrete columns as tree trunks.

Alongside, a former Zumba studio has been updated to be used as a flexible space for book clubs, film screenings and workshops.

Library interior in India — Circular bookshelves sit underneath the “canopy”

“India experienced one of the harshest and most sudden covid lockdowns in the world, and a lot of the design of the library was developed during this time, during which it was clear that people were yearning to meet and share ideas in person again,” explained the studio.

“On a conceptual level, the design draws from nature, in particular the notion of sitting under a tree with a book, and also borrows from the beautiful canopy formed by the ficus and gulmohar trees to be found in the adjacent street,” it continued.

Wooden shelving in Forest of Knowledge — The shelves are connected by plank-covered steel frames

A steel frame covered with small wooden planks lines each of the concrete columns.

This integrates shelving and extends upwards to create arched forms across the ceiling that are then connected in areas with a wooden lattice.

Curving bookshelves have been organised in a circle at the base of each column, with seating areas at the edges of the floor plate creating a variety of different conditions and atmospheres for visitors.

On the library’s floor, custom terrazzo tiles feature a pattern of green “leaves” with a circle of wooden flooring used at the base of each column.

Visitor at library in Mumbai — The floor was decorated with a leaf pattern

“Care has been taken to ensure no bookshelf in the open space is taller than 1.2m,” explained Studio Hinge.

“This allows maximum natural light to permeate deep into the plan and for most adults to have an unobstructed view whilst standing, while creating sheltered semi-private nooks to sit and read in,” it added.

“It also provides a very different perception of the library for children, from whose vantage the space between the circular bookshelves is playful, almost labyrinthine in nature.”

Multipurpose room in Forest of Knowledge library — A ceiling of timber planks adds interest to the multipurpose room

In the multipurpose room, the ceiling has been finished with an undulating pattern of timber planks and the walls lined with cabinets to maximise storage.

Forest of Knowledge was recently longlisted in the workplace interior (small) category of Dezeen Awards 2023.

Elsewhere in Mumbai, The Act of Quad recently converted a former library into its own interior design studio, with a see-through facade of perforated, white metal sheets and Malik Architecture transformed an ice factory into an events space.

The photography is by Suryan + Dang.

Project credits:

Design team: Interior Architecture – Studio Hinge, Pravir Sethi, Chintan Zalavadiya
Lighting design: Studio Trace, Tripti Sahni
MEP: ARKK Consultants

five wooden house-shaped volumes compose nursery school in tokyo

By Zarkon Group,25/09/2023

himawari nursery school reimagines early childhood education

Akaike Tohyama Architects designs Himawari Nursery School in Musashimurayama City, Tokyo, relocating and expanding the original structure. Situated in the residential expanse extending toward the Musashino Plateau and Sayama Hills, the project reimagines early childhood education.

Departing from the previous two-story RC structure that segmented children’s activities, a single-story wooden structure rises to enrich interactions among children of varying ages. To achieve this, the design strategically places the nursery room, hall, and childcare functions on the first floor, while staff facilities, including the reception desk, are arranged on the second floor. This zoning strategy eliminates the division of children’s activities and fosters an environment conducive to cross-generational interaction.

all images by Kawasumi & Kobayashi Kenji Photo Office

nursery school becomes a dynamic playground

The entire site becomes a ‘playground’ where children are encouraged to explore both indoor and outdoor realms. Given the necessity for a single-story wooden structure, coupled with considerations for bicycle parking, childcare areas, and site conditions, the design team forms a compact schoolyard. Rather than opting for a single expansive playground, the approach scatters smaller play areas across the site. This arrangement integrates the ‘playground’ within the architectural volumes, culminating in a circulation system that seamlessly connects the interior and exterior. The plan offers a variety of play activities facilitated by accessible openings from nursery rooms and the hall, uneven terrain, diverse yard pavement textures, and pockets of green.

Himawari Nursery School is situated in a residential area of Musashimurayama City in Tokyo

House-Shaped Volumes Embrace a Child-Friendly Atmosphere

At the heart of the School’s plan lie five wooden house-shaped volumes that echo the scale of surrounding detached houses. The design maintains a low flat roof height, complemented by high ceilings, creating a gentle structure that seamlessly blends into the local townscape. Exposed wooden beams envelop the space in warmth, and each volume boasts a distinct structure, lending character to individual areas. Wood extends to the exterior and walls, enveloping the entire building in a child-friendly, inviting ambiance.

To seamlessly integrate the kindergarten into the neighborhood, the building’s volume is thoughtfully dispersed throughout the site, with the yard nestled within the architectural margins. The design introduces a walkway that connects the small garden with an alley-like path, allowing children to roam both indoors and outdoors. The small yard fosters unrestricted play for daily childcare. Himawari Nursery School redefines early childhood education, promoting childhood exploration and community integration.

five wooden house-shaped volumes that echo the scale of surrounding detached houses

the site becomes a ‘playground’ where children are encouraged to explore both indoor and outdoor realms

the small yard fosters unrestricted play for daily childcare

exposed wooden beams envelop the space in warmth, and each volume boasts a distinct structure

mixed-use wooden house showcases traditional japanese and global influences

By Zarkon Group,01/09/2023

Akio Isshiki infuses three distinct functions into wooden house

Akio Isshiki Architects renovates a wooden house near the beach in Akashi City, Hyogo Prefecture into the designer’s own residence and workplace, as well as a curry restaurant. Within this modest 73 sqm space, the coexistence of three distinct functions creates a unique environment in which notions of time and space, cultural elements, work, and living settings coexist. The design draws from traditional Japanese architecture and employs local materials and techniques while integrating global inspirations.

A noteworthy feature that pays homage to the region’s history of tile production is the flooring, where tiles coat the dirt ground surface. Handcrafted by Awaji’s skilled artisans, these tiles subtly echo the textures and shapes reminiscent of lava stone streets from Central and South American towns. The integration of partitions that resemble mosquito nets and Sudare blinds set against Shoji screens stand as a nod to ancient Japanese architecture. By intertwining spaces both horizontally and vertically, a gentle separation is achieved through the inclusion of native drooping plants. On the second floor, a wall facing the sea displays a scraped texture tinted with red iron oxide, skillfully completed by a local Awaji plasterer. This attempt incorporates vibrant hues of global architecture within a Japanese context. A large window cuts through the volume providing views of the sky and the sea.

all images by Yosuke Ohtake

the architecture Integrates Original and Contemporary Elements

The harmony of various dimensions introduces a sense of depth into the space. Rather than accentuating contrasts between old and new, Akio Isshiki Architects‘ approach acknowledges historical materials and designs as important parts of the ensemble. The intent is to craft an environment that harmonically fuses both the original elements and newly incorporated features, creating a timeless and contemporary look. Existing structural elements such as pillars and beams blend with new architectural features, while new Shoji screens are layered to allow glimpses through the existing figured glass. A cypress pillar stands atop natural stones giving off a feeling of timelessness. Materials with various time axes are mixed and coexist.

L-shaped windows allow views of the seascape

the kitchen appears overhanging above the atrium

the kitchen area seamlessly flows into the living room

existing Fusuma doors are reused within the interior of the wooden house

Raúl Sanchez divides Girona Street apartment with 21-metre wooden wall

By Zarkon Group,31/05/2023

A lengthy walnut-panelled wall runs through the bright white living spaces inside this Barcelona apartment, renovated by local studio Raúl Sanchez Architects.

The Girona Street apartment is set within a 19th-century building in Barcelona’s affluent Dreta de l’Eixample neighbourhood and belongs to a design-savvy couple with two young children.

Living room interior of apartment in Barcelona, designed by Raúl Sanchez Architects — A 21-metre-long walnut-panelled wall runs the length of the Girona Street apartment

Prior to the renovation, the apartment contained a warren of small, dark living spaces bookended by an indoor patio and a sitting room that overlooks the street.

Raúl Sanchez Architects connected these two rooms with a 21-metre-long wall that stretches from one end of the floor plan to the other. While the majority of surfaces in the apartment were rendered in white micro-cement, the wall is crafted from walnut wood.

Living room interior of Girona Street apartment in Barcelona, designed by Raúl Sanchez Architects — Spaces throughout are rendered in white micro-cement

“I thought of a material, which could contrast the whiteness with elegance and warmth while also adding texture and ruggedness,” founder Raúl Sanchez told Dezeen.

“We made several samples and trials until we got the right wood and the right porosity of walnut.”

Dining room interior of apartment in Barcelona, designed by Raúl Sanchez Architects — A blue-painted dining room lies next to the lounge

A series of rooms run parallel to the wall, beginning with a dining area.

Here, a section of the rear wall was painted dark blue and fitted with a built-in bench seat, while the floor was inlaid with a square patch of patterned hydraulic tiles.

Further along the hallway, a sitting area was created just in front of a pair of stained glass windows. This is followed by two bedrooms that are partially painted blue to match the dining area.

One of them is fronted by a huge pivoting door that, like the apartment, is split into two sides. One half is clad with stainless steel and the other in brass.

Green kitchen interior of Girona Street apartment in Barcelona, designed by Raúl Sanchez Architects — A sea-green kitchen is hidden behind doors in the walnut-wood wall

More rooms lie concealed behind the long walnut wall, each accessed via a discrete flush door. This includes a U-shaped kitchen, which was almost entirely painted a sea-green hue.

There’s also a storage area, the family bathroom and the principal bedroom, where a floor-to-ceiling cream curtain helps conceal en-suite facilities.

Apartment designed by Raúl Sanchez Architects features walnut wood wall — Other rooms in the Girona Street apartment are concealed behind flush doors

The apartment’s indoor patio was freshened up, as was the street-facing sitting area. It now features a mint-green sideboard and bookshelf, as well as a decorative wall panel that mimics the brass-and-steel pivot door.

More hydraulic tiles were also incorporated into the floor, this time in mismatch prints.

Raúl Sanchez Architects is behind a number of striking homes in Barcelona, aside from the Girona Street apartment.

This includes BSP20 House with its towering spiral staircase and the Tamarit Apartment, which is decked out with clashing materials.

The photography is by José Hevia.

Project credits:

Architecture: Raúl Sanchez Architects
Team: Valentina Barberio, Paolo Burattini, Flavia Thalisa Gütermann, Dimitris Louizos, Albert Montilla
Structure: Diagonal Arquitectura
Enginering: Marés Ingenieros
Textile design: Catalina Montaña

ecological wooden cabin nestles in rural finland’s lakeside setting

By Zarkon Group,18/05/202319/05/2023

Villa K by Saukkonen+Partners stands on a remote Finnish island

Architectural firm Saukkonen + Partners designs an escape retreat located on a remote island in lakeside Finland, surrounded by nature. Dedicated to a couple’s occasional stay in the rural site, the hideaway cabin is a thought-through entity that adapts to the changing seasons and landscapes. The main cottage and a separate sauna building are carefully positioned on the island. The two separated volumes are connected by their overlapping roof structures. A bridge leading to the island is also a part of the designed whole. The beautiful views of the lake are generally westwards where the sun sets in the evening. The building’s main living spaces and generated views are developed following the sun’s patterns.

all images by Timo Pyykönen

material selection and color scheme reflect the natural setting

The design is based on respect for the surrounding nature, aiming to place the buildings on the terrain as naturally as possible, without overpowering the environment. Thereby, the villa aims to become one with the lake scenery. The design team opts for the effective maximizing of all available building permits to allow for a practical and desired program for leisure purposes. The intention is to create a design that would be as maintenance-free as possible while bringing the surrounding nature into the atmosphere of the spaces. From a technical point of view, the buildings are formed to be ecological and low-energy-consuming. The material selection and color scheme of the building merge the architecture with its natural environment. The villa is made to be as long-lasting and durable as possible.

the hideaway cabin is a thought-through entity that adapts to its landscape

the main cottage and a separate sauna building are carefully positioned on the island

the villa aims to become one with the lake scenery

the buildings are placed on the terrain as naturally as possible, without overpowering the environment

Wooden logs frame Forest Office in Japan by Tomoaki Uno Architects

By Zarkon Group,07/05/2023

Columns made from thick wooden logs fill this office in Nagoya City, Japan, created by local studio Tomoaki Uno Architects at the base of a former apartment block.

Named Forest Office, the small workspace was commissioned by a client who simply requested that “something interesting” be created within half of his office space.

It was Tomoaki Uno Architects‘ second commission by the client, with the first being a sky-lit dwelling nearby named Ogimachi House.

Tomoaki Uno Architects-designed workspace in Japan — Tomoaki Uno Architects has created Forest Office in Japan

“There were no specific requirements for [the project],” studio founder Tomoaki Uno told Dezeen.

“As someone who usually works within functional constraints, this was an exciting opportunity for me,” he continued.

Drawing on the site’s natural surroundings and a nearby shrine, Tomoaki Uno Architects prioritised natural materials and rough finishes to create an atmospheric, multipurpose space.

Tree-trunk columns inside Forest Office in Japan — The workspace is filled with columns made from thick wooden logs

“I had long been inspired by the unique atmosphere I felt every time I walked along the approach to Ise Shrine,” said Uno.

“I knew that the irregular rows of large trees had a strong influence on this feeling. Therefore, I thought about using thick logs as a metaphor and seeing if I could recreate something similar,” he continued.

Interior of Forest Office by Tomoaki Uno Architects — A table is nestled at the centre

Inside, the concrete of the existing structure has been left exposed. It is teamed with a new floor and wall with a circular opening, both made of concrete with a rough aggregate.

Large wooden logs, stripped of their bark and spaced equally in a grid, are set into the concrete floor to create the feeling of being in a forest.

Due to their size, the trunks had to be brought into Forest Office horizontally, before being hoisted into position and cast into the concrete floor.

One of these trunks could not fit in the planned location, and all of them ended up being slightly tilted and displaced during construction, which Uno embraced as “serendipity”.

Japanese workspace filled with tree trunks — The columns are set into the rough concrete floor

“In a nutshell, this is a question of how to deal with nature,” said Uno. “Whether consciously or not, architects are constantly being questioned in every aspect of how they approach nature and their thoughts,” he continued.

“I explored unbuilt boundaries with this project, and I wanted to confirm that the presence of the spirit felt in nature is the origin of architecture.”

Concrete wall inside Forest Office by Tomoaki Uno Architects — A wall with a circular opening has been added

A kitchenette and bathroom occupy one corner of Forest Office, while a small table and chairs nestle between the large trunks at the centre.

Tomoaki Uno Architects was founded by Uno in Nagoya in 1990. Its previous projects include a concrete home with an Aztec-informed pyramid and a minimal concrete home illuminated by dramatic light wells, both of which are also located in Nagoya.

The photography is by Edmund Sumner.