forest hammock gallery by SUEP.

forest hammock gallery by SUEP.
image © kai nakamura (中村絵)
all images courtesy of SUEP.

the suspended roof structure of this art gallery by japanese architecture firm SUEP./hirokazu suemitsu + yoko suemitsu, gives the impression of a hammock hanging in a forest. located in a new park in fukuoka, japan the building is surrounded by large camphor trees, which help to define the building’s exterior form. merging the natural landscape with the internal spaces web-like cut outs from both the roof and floor plate enclose the trees, enhancing the structure’s unusual form.

the roof surface gently curves downwards, following the force of gravity into catenary shape – similar to the hanging motion of a hammock. the floor and roof are both constructed with steel, concrete composite slabs supported by column walls between the trees, that are an extension of the piles in the ground. the exterior form blends the outside and inside spaces, while the roof structure acts as a canopy for the interior patio – open on both sides it welcomes people in from the park. visitors to the gallery will not only appreciate the works on display, they will also experience a restful atmosphere similar to lying on a hammock in the forest.

the pavilion is adjacent to kengo kuma’s ‘kyushu geibun kan main building’. read more about the cultural center here.

view of the art gallery’s internal patio and the web-like cut outs of the building’s form
image © kai nakamura (中村絵)

the suspended roof structure gives the impression of a hammock hanging in a forest
image © kai nakamura (中村絵)

the curved roof gently falls downwards, similar to the hanging motion of a hammock
image © kai nakamura (中村絵)

detail of the suspended roof structure and support column
image © kai nakamura (中村絵)

concept diagram showing the curved cut-outs in the roof and floor plate
image © SUEP.

site plan
image © SUEP.

section
image © SUEP.

project info:

architect: hirokazu suemitsu + yoko suemitsu/SUEP.
location: fukuoka chikugo
land area: 12,914.74 square meters
building area: 414.46 square meters
total floor area: 334.77 square meters
scale structure: steel plate concrete one-story building
design period: 2009.10 – 2010.10
construction period: 2011.08 – 2012.12