kibi kogen N square by kengo kuma reveals protruding CLT panels

kengo kuma designs kibi kogen N square in Kibichuo, japan

Architecture group Kengo Kuma and Associates (KKAA) has completed the Kibi Kogen N Square — a community exchange and revitalization facility centered around a co-working space and café in Kibichuo, a highland town nestled in the central Okayama Prefecture of Japan. The 585 square-meter structure and interior extensively use CLT panels, stacked and protruding at different angles to create dynamic variations of spaces and openings across the Kibi Kogen N Square. The project was completed in March 2024.

all images ©︎ Kawasumi / Kenji Kobayashi Photographic Office

multi-angled CLT panels evoking opennes and collaboration

Systems Nakashima, a local company, took on the initiative to develop Kibi Kogen N Square alongside the team at Kengo Kuma. Spanning a site with a height difference of approximately four meters, the facility features 2.2-meter wide, 35-meter long, and 21-centimeter thick strip-shaped CLT panels, of which Okayama is the largest producer Japan. Unlike the conventional closed and repetitive impression of CLT structures, the open space reflects the facility’s theme of openness and collaboration within the community. ‘The coworking space, involving Okayama University from the local area, is expected to foster ‘a crossover of activities that transcend generations and industry-academia boundaries are to be expected,’ writes Kengo Kuma.

Kibi Kogen N Square by Kengo Kuma