kengo kuma and associates completes 'morinos', a forest educational center in gifu

KKAA, the architecture firm led by kengo kuma, has completed an educational facility called ‘morinos’ in japan’s gifu prefecture. the facility hosts educational programs and workshops that teach students about the importance of forests and wildlife. the building features a lean-to roof with a large overhang supported by logs cut down from the forest in a V-shaped configuration. this creates an open space in front of the timber structure.

image by kenya chiba | main image by studio any ltd matsushima

the project was designed by KKAA for the gifu academy of forest science and culture, an educational institution established to provide practical multidisciplinary education in the fields of forestry and wood utilization, environmental education, wooden architecture, and woodwork. the building was constructed from 100-year-old japanese cypress trees that were cut down by students and used in combination with cedar planks.  

image by studio any ltd matsushima

used for the doorjambs and mullions, these planks retain their bark and are visible as part of the building’s façade. the architects say that the materials were used in order to teach forestry education to the students that use the building. meanwhile, in a process that resembles a 12-layer ceremonial kimono, earth from the site has been applied to the symbolic interior walls by syuhei hasado, a plasterer from the gifu prefecture.

image by kenya chiba

image by kenya chiba

image by studio any ltd matsushima

image by studio any ltd matsushima

image by kenya chiba

image by studio any ltd matsushima

image by studio any ltd matsushima

image by studio any ltd matsushima

project info:

name: morinos
location: gifu, japan
completed: march, 2020
type: educational facility
size: 129.04 sqm
architect: kengo kuma and associates (KKAA)
project team: hironori nagai
concept design: kengo kuma
design: gifu academy of forest science and culture, MIYAKE architect office
design and supervision: daina architect co., ltd.
contractor: sawazaki kensetsu co., ltd.
photography: kenya chiba / image by studio any ltd matsushima