When Kengo Kuma sets out to realise a contemporary office building, he pushes the boundaries of the imaginable. Kibi Kogen N Square is an avant-garde timber construction that promises an immersive experience.
The topographical movement of the site is continued in the building, which ends with a gesture of opening towards the small road junction. Viewed from the side, the building appears hermetic and looks like randomly stacked blocks of wood.
The slightly crossed position creates diagonal projections at both ends. Inside, this creates exciting spaces with unexpected openings and niches. The creative hub and co-working space Kibi Kogen N Square in the Japanese city of Kibichuo is an extraordinary timber construction. The plans were drawn up by the renowned architecture firm Kengo Kuma & Associates. The client is the local company Systems Nakashima, which develops computer systems.
The open space, which differs from the closed and repetitive impression of conventional cross-laminated timber structures, embodies the desired spirit of openness and collaboration.
Kengo Kuma & Associates
With this project, the famous Japanese architect has realised his vision of a contemporary office building. ‘The open space, which differs from the closed and repetitive impression of conventional cross-laminated timber structures, embodies the desired spirit of openness and collaboration within the local community,’ says the architecture firm.
Environmentally friendly design principles
Kengo Kuma was named the most influential architect in the world by Time Magazine in 2021. With his design philosophy, which always aims to harmonise people, nature and the built environment, he strikes a chord with the times like no other.
In an interview with Art Summit he explained: ‘In the 20th century, many architects tried to separate environment and architecture […]. However, I endeavour to close this gap by applying environmental design principles.’
In the 20th century, many architects tried to separate environment and architecture […]. However, I endeavour to close this gap.
Kengo Kuma, Architekt
These principles include the use of natural materials as well as the careful and true-to-scale embedding of architecture in the built or natural context. This usually results in immersive experiences for the users of his buildings, regardless of whether it is a futuristic bathing temple, a museum of modern art or a coffee house.
An immersive experience
Even the co-workers and visitors to Kibi Kogen N Square are given an immersive experience while working. The solid cross-laminated timber beams appear to float above the floor and provide a view of a suburban residential area characterised by dense tree growth.
Indirect lighting and a natural incidence of light via skylights create a calm atmosphere in the interiors. This is further emphasised by the monochromatic wooden surfaces that extend from the floor to the ceiling.
The materiality is also very uniform from the outside. The exciting interplay of wood and glass changes its appearance depending on the lighting situation. Thanks to the ‘angular offset of the panels’, as the architects call it, the supporting structure forms a variety of spaces and openings.
Cross laminated timber from Japanese production
Both the interior and exterior of the office building are made of cross-laminated timber (CLT) from regional production. The first CLT plant in Japan with an annual capacity of 50,000 cubic metres was built in Okayama Prefecture, where the new building is located, in 2016.
This makes the office building a kind of showcase for the Japanese timber industry, which is currently in the process of ramping up its production for modern timber construction. The open spaces and flexible work areas of Kibi Kogen N Square meet today’s requirements for modern office space.
With its avant-garde structure, the Kengo Kuma office has pushed the boundaries of timber construction. The result is an iconic building that not only mediates between nature and the built environment, but also between people: ‘These spaces are intended to promote an intergenerational exchange that goes beyond the boundaries of industry and science.’
Text: Gertraud Gerst
Fotos: Kawasumi-Kobayashi Kenji Photograph Office
