EXPLORING BUILDING MATERIALS

OF KENGO KUMA
BUILDING TECHNOLOGY – I

ASSIGNMENT 01

P. M. S. SEGERA
D/BAC/23/0001
INTAKE 40
DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE

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INTRODUCTION
"You could say that my aim is 'to recover the place'. The
place is a result of nature and time; this is the most
important aspect. I think my architecture is some kind of
frame of nature. With it, we can experience nature more
deeply and more intimately. Transparency is a characteristic
of Japanese architecture; I try to use light and natural
materials to get a new kind of transparency."

~KENGO KUMA

A well-known Japanese architect, Kengo Kuma is known for

his rigorous attention to detail, seamless fusion of history and
innovation, and deep regard for the natural world. Traditional
Japanese building materials and methods are creatively
repurposed by Kuma and given a modern makeover. His
distinctive blend of heritage and modernity may be seen in
his work. Examples include using traditional Japanese timber
joinery techniques in contemporary architecture or
repurposing historic technologies like "Kumiko" (wooden
lattice) in inventive new ways. The story of Kengo Kuma's
architectural development is one of careful balance, in which
the materials narrate the vast narrative of his ideas. This paper
explores the significance of construction materials in Kuma's

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works and looks at how he uses them as tools for cultural
expression and environmental awareness.

He is renowned for his predilection for organic materials,

many of which are obtained locally. In his designs,
materials including paper, stone, bamboo, and wood are
frequently used. The sustainability of his work is a vital
component. He aspires to design structures that not only
blend in with nature, but also have little negative impact on
the environment.

The project's context has a big impact on the materials

Kuma chooses. Whether it's an urban setting or a rural
terrain, he aims to create structures that react to and
reverberate with their surroundings. Material choices are
made carefully, taking into account the site's cultural,
historical, and geographic contexts. Kuma used a modular
approach to building materials in several of his designs.
This promotes both efficient construction and a dedication
to fine craftsmanship.

The materials are put together with care and attention,

highlighting the elegance of simplicity and accuracy.
Building supplies are viewed as a form of cultural
expression by Kuma. He incorporates stories and
connections into the built environment by utilizing materials
that have historical or cultural importance.

The use of materials by Kuma that allow for a play of light

and shadow has earned him a reputation. To achieve a
feeling of openness and connectedness to the environment,
translucent materials, such as glass or shoji screens, are
frequently used in this process. In his designs, light is seen
as a crucial component that helps to create the mood and
feel of a space.

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Sustainability is central to the architectural philosophy of
Kuma. The examination moves through his significant use of
organic materials like paper, stone, wood, bamboo, and
bamboo. These features not only convey a classic style but
also emphasize Kuma's commitment to reducing
environmental impact by using renewable, locally produced
resources. Exploring the core of Kengo Kuma's design
philosophies the following are the highlights of his essential
architectural features.

o Contextual Harmony
o Natural Materials and Sustainability
o Tradition Meets Modernity
o Light as a Building Material
o Craftsmanship and Modularity
o Cultural Narratives and Identity
o Engaging with Nature

So, Kengo Kuma's method for selecting building materials

is a deft balancing act between tradition and contemporary,
nature and invention. His work demonstrates a thorough
awareness of materials as more than just building blocks; he
sees them as essential to the experiential, cultural, and
environmental dimensions of architecture.

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 HAUS BALMA

Kengo Kuma first had the idea for Haus Balma in 2012, and it took a decade of
elaborate construction for it to be finished in 2022. The company's offices are
located in the lower levels of the building, while two elegantly furnished
residences adorn the higher floors. Haus Balma avoids being obtrusive by
perfectly blending into the charm of the traditional mountain community despite
its contemporary allure. Instead, the design celebrates a beautiful fusion of
technology and harmony with the indigenous architectural identity.

Haus Balma's distinctive design highlights the skillful blending of its materials
with the natural environment. The structure was made of polished Valser
quarzite stone slabs with curtained wooden planks for the facade. The building's
shape is reminiscent of a pagoda's grace and was influenced by the triangle's
brilliant geometric design. The stones along the façade give off the impression
of floating, starting an intriguing interaction between the natural material's
weightlessness and firmness. Over 5,000 precision clamps cleverly incorporated
into the stone and wood hold each stone panel precisely in place, enhancing the
structure's aesthetic poetry. 882 stone panels in altogether make up this amazing
work of architectural art.

Additionally, a weightless canopy delicately envelops the structure, exhibiting

the region's and Vals's unmatched artisans' amazing skill. This magnificent
canopy honors the local crafts people’s centuries-old expertise and captures the
essence of their deep connection to the land. This highlights Kengo Kuma's core
architectural talent while paying tribute to the superb craftsmanship that gives
life to this ethereal masterpiece. So, Haus Balma is a timeless example of human
ingenuity and imagination because of how well it blends into its picturesque
surroundings and its fun yet respectful treatment of regional architecture.

ALBERNI TOWER

This amazing 43-story residential skyscraper, created by famous architect

Kengo Kuma (and Associates) and built by Westbank, serves as a tribute to the
Japanese architect's first high-rise architectural project in North America. By
fusing Japanese design ideas with Vancouver's urban fabric, this complex
project's completion demonstrates how to create a distinctive and sculptural
architectural landmark for the expanding Canadian city. He has brought to life

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the distinctive form he created with Westbank, creating a dynamic silhouette
that gradually changes when viewed from various angles. Two carved-out
"scoops" in the tower's sculpted design lead to wide balconies with wooden
soffits and decks. The project's distinctive appearance is enhanced by the
delicately carved recesses, which also create a harmonious relationship between
the project and its surroundings.

The layout of the Alberni Tower was influenced by the glassy structures that
make up Vancouver's urban landscape, as put into words by Kengo Kuma. The
homogeneity of materiality of Vancouver's towers, with their distinctive,
harmonious cityscape, is a strength, but it also gives an opportunity to provide a
new viewpoint. The Alberni Tower has what the architectural team referred to
as "Boolean scoops" to shield occupants' views of the other buildings and
improve daylight on the lower floors of the skyscraper. The arc also creates
private balconies for each house and allows air to flow through the building. The
final design is distinctive and expressive, standing out against the backdrop of
the city while drawing inspiration from the locals that live there. And also the
precise use of wood throughout Alberni's interior and external areas is in
keeping with Kengo Kuma's design philosophy. The project's craftsmanship and
meticulousness are evident in the beautiful woodwork that can be found in every
nook and cranny. The Kuma architectural style is distinguished by this
dedication to high quality and natural materials.

NEZU ART MUSEUM

Kengo Kuma is passionate about the engawa roof's visual expression. It can be
argued that his construction and heritage of the enormous floating eaves roof's
form and spiritual significance have entered the world of fire. The main theme
of many of his works expresses the idea of traditional Japanese architecture with
an incorporated pitched roof and deep eaves, and he frequently uses various
materials to voice the form of a traditional pitched roof. The Nezu Museum in
Minatoku, Tokyo, is one illustration.

The building's exterior is designed in the manner of traditional Japanese

residences. Silver-gray, gray-black is the color of the building, and it blends
nicely with the courtyard's old trees. This structure has a contemporary oriental
feel that is Japanese. There is a peaceful courtyard area that shields you from the
noise and activity around you. Through the massive floor-to-ceiling glass
windows in the entrance hall, the exterior garden of the building's landscape is
brought into the interior, obfuscating the building's perimeter. The architecture

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has an impression of distance between reality and the unexpected because the
eyes of each other are set apart, blending tradition and modernity gently. The
"engawa" space in traditional Japanese design offers numerous points where the
indoor and outdoor spaces converge, blurring the distinction between the two.
Through practice and experience, Japanese architects have changed the design
of the form of the engawa space into a symbolic heritage of their spiritual
substance, as can be seen from the current architecture's inheritance of the space
beneath the eaves. Japan finds this approach of utilizing the eaves area as an
indoor and outdoor transition zone to be fascinating, and it also serves as a
fantastic example of the Japanese concept of a domestic atmosphere.

This leads to the main door after passing through a bamboo grove (typical of
ceremonial approaches to tea houses) and along the deep eaves of the structure.
The verdant, soothing embrace of nature drowns out the clamor of the city as
you go. This decompression is compared by Kuma to the travel from the city to
the forest, or the change from the mundane to the sacred, where a traditional
torii gate welcomes one into a shrine. The roof draws people within the structure,
giving the impression that it is floating on glass walls while actually being
supported by a steel frame. The post-and-beam structure, scale, and form all
make reference to Tokyo's long-gone vernacular timber building tradition, but
Kuma reinterprets this in a wholly contemporary manner. The low edge of the
roof becomes a blade that is made of steel that has been phosphoric acid treated
to make it as thin and refined as possible. Beyond the entrance, guests find a
double-height room created by the big roof's acute pitch and covered in thinly
shaved bamboo panels on plywood bases on the underneath. Buddhist sculptures
that have been spectacularly lighted line the edges. The gallery floor's grey
Chinese stone extends outward, blurring the line between inside and outside. In
turn, when vegetation pushes through the glass walls of the display, the
surrounding environment practically merges with it. As public gardens are
uncommon in Tokyo, this green neighborhood has a unique resonance.

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 CONCLUSION

The architecture of Kengo Kuma, in conclusion, goes beyond the bounds of

traditional design and becomes a profound examination of the symbiotic
interaction between tradition, innovation, and the natural environment. The core
ideas of Kuma's philosophy have been explored throughout this examination as
we have seen how each one, from carefully selected materials to the thoughtful
interaction of light, helps to create works of architecture that are both classic and
cutting-edge. Kuma's structures exhibit a profound dialogue with their
environment, demonstrating his dedication to contextual harmony. Each
construction appears to emerge spontaneously, harmonizing with the cultural,
historical, and geographical setting that determines its existence, whether it is
snuggled amid metropolitan landscapes or embraces the tranquility of nature.
This contextual awareness not only fosters a peaceful cohabitation between the
constructed and natural worlds, but also shows a profound regard for the
environment.

Beyond aesthetics, Kuma's designs frequently feature natural materials. His

meticulous selection of locally sourced, timelessly beautiful materials like
wood, bamboo, and stone demonstrates his dedication to sustainability. These
materials develop into more than just structural elements; they serve as conduits
for cultural narratives, crafting tales that span time and link the rich fabric of the
past with the present. We realize that Kengo Kuma's influence extends beyond
specific buildings as we think about his architectural legacy. His ideology turns
into a compass that directs the larger conversation on sustainable, culturally
relevant design. Architects and enthusiasts alike are challenged by Kuma's work
to rethink the possibilities at the nexus of tradition and innovation and to create
a future in which buildings serve as more than just physical structures but also
as narratives in the on-going story of human existence.

Kengo Kuma's works are expressive threads in the tapestry of brilliant

architecture, telling a story of ethnic diversity, environmental stewardship, and
everlasting beauty. His legacy is still motivating us to reevaluate how we interact
with the built environment and to promote a peaceful coexistence of human
inventiveness and the natural world.

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 REFERENCES

Bayoumi, A. (2023) 'Paul Clemence Captures the Beauty of Haus

Balma: Kengo Kuma's Swiss Marvel - Arch2O.com,'
Arch2O.com, 22 July. https://www.arch2o.com/paul-clemence-
captures-the-beauty-of-haus-balma-kengo-kumas-swiss-marvel/.

Jiang, P. (2022) The Ambiguous Boundary between Buildings and

Environment: Exploring the Interpretation of Traditional
Aesthetic in Contemporary Japanese Architecture. Open Journal
of Civil Engineering, 12, 415-437.

Bayoumi, A. (2023a) 'Kengo Kuma Reveals Alberni Tower, a Jaw-

Dropping skyscraper in Vancouver - Arch2O.com,' Arch2O.com,
21 June. https://www.arch2o.com/kengo-kuma-reveals-alberni-
tower-a-jaw-dropping-skyscraper-in-vancouver/.

Slessor, C. (2020) Nezu Museum by Kengo Kuma & Associates, Tokyo,

Japan - Architectural review. https://www.architectural-
review.com/today/nezu-museum-by-kengo-kuma-associates-
tokyo-japan.

Designboom (2023) 'alberni by kengo kuma: a sculptural new tower

completes in vancouver,' Designboom | Architecture & Design
Magazine [Preprint].
https://www.designboom.com/architecture/kengo-kuma-alberni-
tower-vancouver-canada-06-21-2023/.

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