Kengo Kuma & Associates Creates Striking Wooden Residence in Paris
Japan’s renowned Kengo Kuma & Associates has completed the Yama-Tani residential building in Paris, adding a unique wooden architecture piece to the urban landscape.
A Sculptural Façade
Yama-Tani comes alive with a distinctive street-facing façade designed to liven up the street atmosphere. Crafted from pleats of chestnut wood cascading down in jaunty angles, the façade creates an undulating pattern of light and shadow. The main façade mimics the relief patterns of mountains and valleys, making each section react to the sun’s movement, creating a dynamic interactive experience for pedestrians.
"Playing with its fold, the main facade on the street revisits the relief of the peak of the mountain and the valley," said Kengo Kuma & Associates.
Inspired by Nature
The building’s wooden elements, including beams, columns, and OSB slabs, are sourced locally from France, fitting seamlessly with the Parisian environment. The choice of pre-aged chestnut for the main street facade and Douglas fir for the courtyard facade reflects Kengo Kuma & Associates’ dedication to sustainability and natural materials.
"Each section of wood receives the sun following its course," the studio continued. "This main facade breaks the linearity and livens up the street – a special vibration which makes the building unique."
Connection to Nature
The five-storey structure is designed to offer its residents a connection to nature. Residents can enjoy various outdoor spaces including balconies, terraces, loggias and rooftop areas. The central outdoor courtyard provides easily accessible paths to the apartments, giving an overall "village-like" feel that harmonizes with the surrounding low-rise structures.
Sustainability and Design
The southeast corner of the building is stepped back to ensure maximum natural lightpenetrates into the central courtyard. The courtyard, clad in Douglas fir, adds a warm and muted natural aesthetic. The design is informed by the traditional montane habitats, blending modern architecture with natural elements.
Kengo Kuma & Associates was tenaciously committed to using locally sourced French wood species known for their durability and unique properties. The chestnut wood’s properties allowed for precise pleating structures, while Douglas fir naturally develops silver coloration over time, adding to the building’s luminance and appeal over the years.
Additional Works by Kengo Kuma & Associates
Other recent completions by Kengo Kuma & Associates include an extension to a Lisbon art centre with a sweeping canopy and a museum in Seoul shrouded in suspended aluminium pipes. The studio’s expertise in blending nature and modern architectural elements continues to captivate and inspire urban landscapes across the globe.
Project Credits
- Architect: Kengo Kuma & Associates
- Engineering: EQO Engineering, S2T Fluids and AÏDA Acoustic
- Construction site management: EQO Engineering
- Construction company: Rubner and Rehago
Photo Credits
The photography is by Sergio Grazia.
Call to Action
Visit the Kengo Kuma & Associates website to explore more of their architectural marvels or learn more about their sustainable design practices. If you appreciate the beauty of wooden architecture, don’t forget to share your thoughts on the Yama-Tani residence!
