Kakezukuri, a former method to float a building. Mikuni Izu kogen restaurant by Kengo Kuma
15/06/2020.
[Ito - Shizuoka Prefecture] Japan
metalocus, ANA DIOSDADO
metalocus, ANA DIOSDADO
Project description by Kengo Kuma
Located high atop a cliff on the Izu Peninsula, this restaurant overlooks Sagami Bay.
Throughout history, various methods of construction have been developed to mediate between architecture and the extremely complex topography of Japan.One of these methods, kakezukuri, uses supports to float the building out over a steep slope, as famously represented in Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto.
For this project, we produced a transparent kakezukuri using a hybrid wood-steel frame; supporting the roof with cypress planks spanning up to 11.4 meters.As a result, we were able to realize a cypress cloud materializing from the densely vegetated cliff.
In perfect harmony with the aroma of cypress emanating from the architecture, the chef, Mr. Kiyomi Mikuni, makes the best use of the natural ingredients of Izu in his cuisine.
Kengo Kuma was born in Yokohama (Kanagawa, Japan) in 1954. He studied architecture at the University of Tokyo, finishing his degree in 1979. In 1987, he opened the "Spatial Design Studio". In 1990 he founded "Kengo Kuma & Associates" and extend the study to Europe (Paris, France) in 2008. Since 1985 and until 2009, has taught as visiting professor and holder at the universities of Columbia, Keio, Illinois and Tokyo.
Main Awards:
· 2011 The Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's Art Encouragement Prize for "Yusuhara Wooden Bridge Museum."
· 2010 Mainichi Art Award for “Nezu Museum.”
· 2009 "Decoration Officier de L'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres" (France).
· 2008 Energy Performance + Architecture Award (France). Bois Magazine International Wood Architecture Award (France).
· 2002 Spirit of Nature Wood Architecture Award (Finland).
· 2001 Togo Murano Award for “Nakagawa-machi Bato Hiroshige Museum.”
· 1997 Architectural Institute of Japan Award for “Noh Stage in the Forest”. First Place, AIA DuPONT Benedictus Award for “Water/Glass” (USA).