concrete blocks wrap bora architects' BLDG02 monolithic office building

BORA ARCHITECTS explores concrete blocks’ aesthetic potential

Osaka-based BORA ARCHITECTS designs BLDG02, an office building for a concrete block manufacturer in Japan, to explore the structural and aesthetic potential of block construction. The design employs reinforced concrete masonry construction RM, which eliminates the need for RC columns and beams, allowing the block volume and texture to take precedence. A ‘double-wall construction’ system is introduced, securing structural stability while allowing larger openings both vertically and horizontally. This strategy facilitates spatial connectivity and collaboration within the office environment while maintaining the monolithic expression of the structure.

The double-wall structure optimizes both functionality and energy efficiency. The gaps between the walls, set at 200mm and 100mm to align with block specifications, serve as insulation layers, improving thermal performance by reducing heating and cooling loads. These voids also enhance waterproofing by channeling moisture outward, addressing a common challenge in block construction. By integrating these functions, the need for additional insulation or internal cladding is eliminated, allowing the raw block surfaces to remain exposed both internally and externally. The architectural form follows function, utilizing concrete structure as a material finish, preserving the material integrity and visual consistency of the blocks.

all images by Sasa no Kurasha and Yohei Sasakura unless stated otherwise

BLDG02 office building arranges layered spatial composition

The design emphasizes the pure volumetric expression of blocks by minimizing additional structural elements. Frameless interior openings maintain spatial continuity, creating a dynamic interplay between enclosed and open areas. The strategically positioned openings frame views in both horizontal and vertical directions, shifting perspectives as users move through the space. This layered composition generates a multidimensional visual experience, transforming spatial perception through movement and changing vantage points. To enhance this effect, BORA ARCHITECTS’ design team incorporates external sloped circulation, guiding sightlines between levels and reinforcing the sense of interconnected volumes.

The project integrates sustainability by reducing material waste associated with conventional RC construction. Unlike standard reinforced concrete structures, RM construction requires minimal formwork, significantly decreasing the reliance on tropical timber used for plywood formwork production. The blocks used in BLDG02 are composed of locally sourced aggregate and slag, minimizing transportation energy and supporting a circular economy. By utilizing regionally produced materials and reducing dependence on non-renewable resources, the project aligns with principles of sustainable construction and localized material cycles.

BLDG02 by BORA ARCHITECTS explores the potential of block construction in office design