Innovative Triangular Design Characterizes Tsukumo Kiln Ceramic Studio in Kobe

Nestled in the picturesque hills of Kobe, Japan, the Tsukumo Kiln ceramic studio emerges as a unique architectural statement, designed by the collaborative team of Dept. and OAAA. This 80.32-square-meter structure is ingeniously crafted with a triangular layout, ensuring a seamless relationship with its natural surroundings.

Structural Elegance with Timber Frames

The studio's design is defined by three timber portal frames, each rotated by 60 degrees, creating an equilateral triangular shape that eschews traditional architectural norms. This rotation results in a building that lacks a conventional front or back, inviting a sense of openness and flexibility. Inside, the absence of interior columns enables an expansive workspace, ideal for ceramic production, while steel tension rods enhance structural integrity by pulling and lifting the timber beams.

Continuous Translucent Envelope

Externally, the studio is enveloped in folded fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) panels that mirror the roof’s geometry, forming a cohesive architectural skin. This translucent material interacts dynamically with natural light, altering the studio's appearance throughout the day and in varying weather conditions. The design team, emphasizing the integration of geometry, structural logic, and material behavior, crafted the building as a unified system that maintains the distinct characteristics of timber, steel, and FRP.

Flexible Interior for Creative Production

Inside, the triangular configuration fosters diverse connections with the surrounding landscape while providing an adaptable environment for kilns, worktables, and storage. The limited material palette and the repeated geometric approach not only shape the studio’s structure and enclosure but also enhance the spatial experience, making it a harmonious space for artistic creation.

Source: www.designboom.com