nendo showcases innovative 'seven doors' collection for abe kogyo

showcased during milan design week 2015 at nendo’s solo exhibition, the seven door designs were presented to commemorate the 70th anniversary of abe kogyo, a prominent japanese manufacturer of timber front and interior doors, partitions, fixtures and custom-made furniture. each unique frame, stems from a straightforward wooden door design, where they have been cleverly manipulated and adapted from different concepts and techniques held by the company. from a lamp shade that protrudes from one side, to one that opens from a wall corner, all of which can be imagined in situ, integrated into people’s homes and everyday lives. furthermore, this exploration has opened up the future possibilities of continuing to make a simple door frame even more practical and refined.

lamp, by nendo
all images by hiroshi iwasaki

the lamp door incorporates a lighting fixture, employing the wiring techniques used in electronic locks.

baby  

a playful yet smart approach taken from abe kogyo, who manufactures various interior fittings for nurseries and pre-schools. this gave rise to the idea of having adults and children walk through doors that match their respective sizes.

slide

using a door like a window blind, this door can create small spaces to let light in, to let a breeze through, and to create a greater sense of connectivity between rooms. from techniques used to make sliding doors, this design idea has once again added a new and functional value to the conventional door.

hang   

hang door is fitted with internal 2.5mm magnet sheet, allowing the user to attach various accessories to it such as trays, dust bins, flower pots, vases, and other containers. this design feature has given a new function- serving also as a storage device, rather than point of entrance and exit.

kumiko

kumiko door, uses the technique of kumiko, where the assembling of wooden interior lattices is done without nails, most often used in creating door fixtures for traditional japanese tatami rooms.  the kumiko gradually blends into the plain portion of the door. this is a design feature made possible only by the high industrial caliber and intricate handiwork of abe kogyo.
wall

by covering this door with shelves and picture frames that one would usually fit to a wall, the design allows the door to blend into the wall to an unprecedented extent. the shelves and frames have been made by applying the ‘v-cut’ technology used for finishing the edges of flush doors.  also, the frames are easy to remove and reattach, and they have been fitted with a newly designed connector to prevent them from shaking when opening and closing the door. 

corner      

the corner door allows the user to enter and exit through corners of a room, transforming the way we think about interior layout. as this door opens particularly wide, an additional practical result of this design has been easier and more comfortable wheelchair access.