Floating sensation

Designed by Kengo Kuma Architects

From the architects:

Designed by Kengo Kuma Architects, Mikuni Izu kogen restaurant sits high on top of a cliff on the Izu Peninsula in central Japan, and overlooks Sagami Bay to the south of Yokohama. 

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 a building out over a steep slope, as seen in Kyoto's renowned Kiyomizu Temple. 

For this restaurant project, we produced a transparent kakezukuri using a hybrid wood-steel frame, supporting the roof with cypress planks spanning up to 11.4m.

As a result, we created the effect of a cypress 'cloud' materialising 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.

Story by: Trendsideas

Photography by: Photography by Kawasumi – Kobayashi Kenji Photograph Office