kengo kuma tops banquet hall in nagoya with an elongated roof canopy

kengo kuma and associates has completed a banquet hall in nagoya, the capital of japan’s aichi prefecture. the building is capable of hosting a range of events and functions, primarily serving as a wedding hall with its own restaurant and dining facilities. the project, which was completed earlier in 2018, is topped with a large elongated roof canopy whose sheltering presence is felt throughout the scheme.

all images © kawasumi kobayashi kenji photograph office

kengo kuma and his team used warm and tactile materials to ensure that ‘miraie lext house nagoya’ fosters a welcoming and communal atmosphere. ‘we didn’t want a building like a closed box, so we placed the entire structure under a sloped roof to express the space like a well-preserved forest,’ explain the architects. ‘by attaching long pieces of cedar and larch, we added a rhythmic variation to the ceiling and the wall. the space was further enlivened by the passing of light through the ceiling like komorebi, or light filtering down through the trees in a forest.’

the interior spaces are naturally and brightly illuminated

the roof’s sheltering presence is felt throughout the scheme

the building primarily serves as a venue for weddings

dining facilities are also provided

the project was completed in february 2018

trees and other vegetation has been planted next to the building

the venue is positioned on a prominent corner plot

project info:

name: miraie lext house nagoya
location: nagoya, japan
completed: february 2018
program: wedding hall, restaurant
area: 2,585.35 sqm / 27,828 sqf
photography: kawasumi kobayashi kenji photograph office