Kakezukuri, a former method to float a building. Mikuni Izu kogen restaurant by Kengo Kuma

Throughout history, the japanese have used various methods of construction to resolve the foundations on complex topography of Japan.

Kengo Kuma has designed he Mikuni Izukogen restaurant using one of these methods, called kakezukuri, and using supports to float the building out on a rocky high atop a cliff in Sagami Bay, in Honshū, (the largest and most populous main island of Japan).

Mikuni Izu kogen restaurant by Kengo Kuma. Photography by Kawasumi of Kobayashi Kenji Photograph Office

The place sit Mikuni Izukogen is located on the Izu Peninsula, a resort area known for its rugged beaches, luscious greenery and abundance of hot springs. Kengo Kuma spent time considering how to best connect the project to this hilly site.

Kengo Kuma decided designed the project as a "cloud-like structure" drawing upon Kakezukuri method.

The best way to connect it to its hilly site was using a hybrid wood-steel frame; supporting the roof with cypress planks spanning up to 11.4 meters, with the restaurant main body constructed from glass, allowing views of the surrounding landscape Sagami Bay.

In perfect harmony with the aroma of cypress emanating from the architecture, the chef, Mr. Kiyomi Mikuni, makes the best use of the natural ingredients of Izu in his cuisine.

Project description by Kengo Kuma

Located high atop a cliff on the Izu Peninsula, this restaurant overlooks Sagami Bay.

Throughout history, various methods of construction have been developed to mediate between architecture and the extremely complex topography of Japan.One of these methods, kakezukuri, uses supports to float the building out over a steep slope, as famously represented in Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto.

For this project, we produced a transparent kakezukuri using a hybrid wood-steel frame; supporting the roof with cypress planks spanning up to 11.4 meters.As a result, we were able to realize a cypress cloud materializing from the densely vegetated cliff.

In perfect harmony with the aroma of cypress emanating from the architecture, the chef, Mr. Kiyomi Mikuni, makes the best use of the natural ingredients of Izu in his cuisine.

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More information

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Architects

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Kengo Kuma and Associates.

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Project team

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Minoru Yokoo, Akio Saruta, Kaoru Guo, Ryuta Nomura, Kimio Suzuki.

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Collaborators

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Structure Engineer.- Yasutaka Konishi Architectural Design Office.
MEP Engineer.- Morimura Design.

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Area

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200 m²

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Dates

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Project.- 2016.6 – 2018.9. Completion Date.- 2019.8.26.

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Venue / Address

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1172-2 Hachimanno, Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan.

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Photography

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Kawasumi・Kobayashi Kenji Photograph Office.

Kengo Kuma. Kengo Kuma & Associates (KKAA)

Kengo Kuma was born in Yokohama (Kanagawa, Japan) in 1954. He studied architecture at the University of Tokyo, finishing his degree in 1979. In 1987, he opened the "Spatial Design Studio". In 1990 he founded "Kengo Kuma & Associates" and extended the study to Europe (Paris, France) in 2008. Since 1985 and until 2009, has taught as a visiting professor and holder at the universities of Columbia, Keio, Illinois and Tokyo.

Notable projects include Japan National Stadium (2019), V&A Dundee (2019), Odunpazari Modern Art Museum (2019), and The Suntory Museum of Art (2007).

Kengo Kuma proposes architecture that opens up new relationships between nature, technology, and human beings. His major publications include Zen Shigoto(The complete works, Daiwa S hobo)Ten Sen Men (“point, line, plane”, IwanamiShoten), Makeru Kenchiku (Architecture of Defeat, Iwanami Shoten), Shizen na Kenchiku(Natural Architecture, Iwanami Shinsho), Chii sana Kenchiku (Small Architecture, IwanamiShinsho) and many others.

Main Awards:

· 2011 The Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's Art Encouragement Prize for "Yusuhara Wooden Bridge Museum."
· 2010 Mainichi Art Award for “Nezu Museum.”
· 2009 "Decoration Officier de L'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres" (France).
· 2008 Energy Performance + Architecture Award (France). Bois Magazine International Wood Architecture Award (France).
· 2002 Spirit of Nature Wood Architecture Award (Finland).
· 2001 Togo Murano Award for “Nakagawa-machi Bato Hiroshige Museum.”
· 1997 Architectural Institute of Japan Award for “Noh Stage in the Forest”. First Place, AIA DuPONT Benedictus Award for “Water/Glass” (USA).