kengo kuma's timber office building sits by the base of mont-blanc

kengo kuma’s timber office building sits by the base of mont-blanc

set amidst the snow-capped peaks of mont-blanc in france, kengo kuma has designed the headquarters for outdoor products specialist blue ice. playing with different textures of timber, the envelope and roof introduces both refined and raw wooden planks, reflecting nature and allowing the architecture to subtly dissolve into the surrounding forested environment.

all images © michel denance

kengo kuma‘s response saw the the straightforward structure topped with an oversized roof which gradually folds down on one corner. the larger size in both width and length mimics the inclination of the land and naturally stops snow from collecting. in addition, the façade of the building is composed of thick and unskinned panels of oak wood.

the headquarters of blue ice is located in les houches, france

internally, there is one spacious room at the building’s core, lit naturally from the numerous skylights on the ceiling. the circulation is organized towards the side of the building, with the office spaces arranged on a mezzanine level bringing the workers closer to the views of the landscape through the skylights.

the architecture of the offices is designed to dissolve into the forested surroundings

slices of oak wood have been used on the envelope

the office spaces have been arranged across a lower and upper mezzanine level

skylights permeate the spacious headquarters with natural light

circulation has been located on the side of the floorplan

the façade of the building has been envisioned almost like the trees in the wood

the folded roof reflects the inclination of the mont blanc mountains

raw timber panels have been used on the roof

the building at night

site plan by kkaa

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save

Save