wavy wooden terraces overhang organically in residential neighborhood of japan

‘En-Hako BLDG’ displays waving shapes in Saitama

Tokyo-based studio Organic Design constructs a three-story leased commercial building on the border of a residential area in Saitama, Japan. The building is named ‘En-hako BLDG’ mixing the words ‘Engawa’, meaning ‘traditional Japanese terrace’, and ‘Hako’ indicating a ‘box shape’. Forming accordingly to these two architectural elements, the structure sets up an orthogonal frame wrapping it with organic overhanging formations on each side of the facade. The contemporary design develops ‘spontaneously’ adorning the urban landscape with undulating wooden balconies. The fronts of the projected verandas are coated with steel plates.

wooden slabs cover the curves of the organic balconies

Located between a residential and a commercial district, ‘En-hako BLDG’ by architectural studio Organic Design nestles among offices enjoying views towards the greenery of a nearby park, providing a ‘perch’ forming wavy verandas on each side of the facade that serve as a familiar landmark for the community. Creating a visual and effortless flow in the area, the roadside veranda of the structure appears to reach out toward the busy neighborhood. The pair of elevated undulating balconies are covered in wooden eaves running along the curves of the construction. 

1/7

project info:

name: En-Hako BLDG
designer: HIDEO KUMAKI – Organic Design Inc.

graphic work: Rei Maki

construction: Gunpoh Industries Co.,ltd.

location: Saitama, Japan

photography: Yukinori Okamura

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.