Exclusive from the Japanese design master

/ Technologies /
We have already talked about the projects of the architect Kengo Kuma - the Victoria and Albert Design Museum in Dundee, Scotland, and the Waterfront cultural center in Copenhagen. One of his last works is not related to large-scale construction - Kuma completed the collection of natural veneer of the Alpi company.

Two new types of finishing material will appear in the brand's catalogs under the names "Sea pine" and "Japanese cedar".

The famous Kengo Kuma

A special attitude to wood was formed in ancient times and developed together with the philosophical views of Buddhist teachers who emphasized the changeable and short-lived nature of things. This ephemerality of things is especially well understood in Japan, where the skill of carpenters has developed to incredible heights and harmoniously coexists with persistence, supported by the constant need to reconstruct and restore elements of wooden architecture lost as a result of earthquakes, typhoons and tsunamis.

Thus, it was not the man-made structure that showed resistance, but the tree itself. Thus, a lone pine tree that survived the tsunami became a symbol of the city of Takata. The tree was one of many planted here back in 1667. In 350 years, the saplings turned into a whole shady grove, which included about 70 trees. Its history was supposed to end on March 000, 11, when the strongest earthquake generated a tsunami that hit Takata. Only one pine survived the disaster. Despite the fact that it was not possible to save the tree, it was "conserved" and turned into a symbol of inflexibility.

Rich veneer textures from Kengo Kuma
Rich veneer textures from Kengo Kuma
Rich veneer textures from Kengo Kuma

Maritime Pine is a solitary pine tree that grows on rocky seashores and prompted the architect to create the veneer for Alpi. The rich texture of the material reproduces the unusual pattern of the bark of this tree covered with deep cracks.

Japanese Cedar is another symbol of resistance and endurance. In life, this tree remains green even in the most severe frosts. Now, decorative materials filled with symbolism from the new Alpi collection can be seen in the factory's catalogs marked as limited edition.