wu tang clan retreat by squirtstudio embodies the samurai spirit

sitting on a hilly countryside of japan, the wu tang clan retreat envisioned by brooklyn-based squirtstudio (SQST) is dedicated to the study of combat and music composition. the idea sprouts from the familiar shape of a yellow straw roof standing out among rice paddies — characteristic of the japanese province. the silhouette of the inclined structure invokes the memory of staten island’s hip hop group logo: the wu tang clan. based on that, the team invested in a spiritual quest that has led them to study the texts and and teachings of the samurai — ultimately to create this artistic retreat.

the design is illustrated in the same style as iconic japanese artist hokusai 

squirtstudio‘s retreat is composed of traditional rooms: genkan (entry), ima (living room), daidokoro (kitchen) and yokushitsu (bathroom). in addition, it is constructed out of wood according to ancestral methods and complex woodworking. the only contemporary features are the recording studio equipment seen alongside chess boards and antique objects. the long footpath necessary to reach the refuge of the house plunges the visitor into another era, losing all the bars on their cell phone as they go along — saying farewell to the connected world and ‘welcome’ to the one of martial arts. the guests become deprived of their habits and routine, now devoting their time to music production without interruption. ‘we will see how this unique and holy place can influence the music created there’, expresses the team. 

location of the proposed retreat, plan view

contemporary features include recording-studio equipment, alongside chess boards and antique objects

katana swords and marshall amplifiers

layout plan

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lea zeitoun | designboom