angled walls and folly composition by hajime yoshida echoes traditional japanese gardens

HAJIME YOSHIDA’s Warakuen enriches Johana’s landscape

Warakuen is a Japanese-style landscape design project by Hajime Yoshida located in Johana, Toyama Prefecture, Japan. The design features black concrete walls that create a sequence within the Japanese garden, allowing visitors to experience the changing scenery throughout the four seasons.

To bring order to the expansive site, a folly is positioned at its center. A 45-degree angled black wall within the folly guides visitors along its path. The existing well on the site is covered with stone to mark the beginning of a new narrative. Stone benches and tables are integrated into the landscape, enhancing the garden’s functionality and aesthetics.

all images courtesy of Hajime Yoshida

Japanese Tea Ceremony Traditions Inspire Warakuen’s Design

The composition of diagonal elements in the square echoes the arrangement of a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, where a ladle is placed diagonally on the furnace, further tying the design to cultural traditions. Warakuen project by Hajime Yoshida Architecture Studio creates a serene and contemplative space.

Warakuen by Hajime Yoshida in Johana, Toyama Prefecture

Japanese garden design featuring black concrete walls

visitors experience changing scenery throughout the four seasons

central folly brings order to the expansive site

45-degree angled black wall guides visitors along its path

stone benches and tables blend seamlessly into the landscape

ladle placement inspires the garden’s design composition

diagonal elements echo traditional Japanese tea ceremony

Warakuen creates a serene and contemplative space

traditional and contemporary elements in harmony

the project sees the renovation of an existing warehouse

project info:

name: Warakuen
architect: Hajime Yoshida Architecture | @hajime.yoshida.architecture
location: Johana, Toyama Prefecture, Japan

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom