this japanese co-working space by kengo kuma combines protruding layers of CLT panels

kengo kuma designs kibi kogen N square in Kibichuo, japan Architecture group Kengo Kuma and Associates (KKAA) has completed the Kibi Kogen N Square -- a »

lea zeitoun June 3, 2024 3 min

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kengo kuma designs kibi kogen N square in Kibichuo, japan

Architecture group Kengo Kuma and Associates (KKAA) has completed the Kibi Kogen N Square — a community exchange and revitalization facility centered around a co-working space and café in Kibichuo, a highland town nestled in the central Okayama Prefecture of Japan. The 585 square-meter structure and interior extensively use CLT panels, stacked and protruding at different angles to create dynamic variations of spaces and openings across the Kibi Kogen N Square. The project was completed in March 2024.

this japanese co-working space by kengo kuma combines protruding layers of CLT panels - 1 — all images ©︎ Kawasumi / Kenji Kobayashi Photographic Office

multi-angled CLT panels evoking opennes and collaboration

Systems Nakashima, a local company, took on the initiative to develop Kibi Kogen N Square alongside the team at Kengo Kuma. Spanning a site with a height difference of approximately four meters, the facility features 2.2-meter wide, 35-meter long, and 21-centimeter thick strip-shaped CLT panels, of which Okayama is the largest producer Japan. Unlike the conventional closed and repetitive impression of CLT structures, the open space reflects the facility’s theme of openness and collaboration within the community. ‘The coworking space, involving Okayama University from the local area, is expected to foster ‘a crossover of activities that transcend generations and industry-academia boundaries are to be expected,’ writes Kengo Kuma.

this japanese co-working space by kengo kuma combines protruding layers of CLT panels - 2 — Kibi Kogen N Square by Kengo Kuma

this japanese co-working space by kengo kuma combines protruding layers of CLT panels - 3 — protruding and multi-angled CLT panels

this japanese co-working space by kengo kuma combines protruding layers of CLT panels - 4 — the co-working and café facility is located in Kibichuo town

this japanese co-working space by kengo kuma combines protruding layers of CLT panels - 5 — dynamic stacking creates variations of spaces and openings

this japanese co-working space by kengo kuma combines protruding layers of CLT panels - 6 — view from the interiors

this japanese co-working space by kengo kuma combines protruding layers of CLT panels - 7 — Kengo Kuma completed the project in March 2024

this japanese co-working space by kengo kuma combines protruding layers of CLT panels - 8 — interiors are also clad in CLT panels

this japanese co-working space by kengo kuma combines protruding layers of CLT panels - 9 — unconventional use of CLT panels evoke opennes and collaboration

this japanese co-working space by kengo kuma combines protruding layers of CLT panels - 10 — night time view

this japanese co-working space by kengo kuma combines protruding layers of CLT panels - 11 — close up shot of warm lighting

project info:

name: Kibi Kogen N Square

location: Kibichuo Town, Okayama Prefecture, Japan

architecture: Kengo Kuma | @kkaa_official

design team: Shin Oba, Taiki Monaka, Kyoko Mase

construction: UG Giken

cooperation: Kozo Keikaku Engineering

photographer: Kawasumi-Kobayashi Kenji Photograph Office

total area: 585 sqm

completion date: March 2024