designboom · Creativity & design

Triangular Timber Structure Encloses Tsukumo Kiln Ceramic Studio in Kobe, Japan

Tsukumo Kiln, a ceramic studio in Kobe, Japan, features a unique triangular design with rotated timber frames and a translucent envelope. The 80.32-sqm building prioritizes an open, column-free workspace suitable for ceramic production.

The structure is organized around three timber portal frames, each rotated 60 degrees from the next, creating an equilateral triangular plan that eliminates a conventional front or back. Steel tension rods are integrated to support the timber beams, reducing the need for interior columns and leaving the central working area unobstructed. The exposed timber frames and steel tension members make the structural forces visible.

The exterior is wrapped in a continuous envelope of folded FRP panels that follow the roof's geometry, integrating the roof and walls. These translucent panels change appearance with shifting daylight. Construction was developed as a unified system, considering geometry, structure, material behavior, fabrication, and assembly. The timber, steel, and FRP retain their distinct characteristics while forming a cohesive architectural system.

The triangular organization creates multiple relationships with the surrounding landscape, and the open interior allows flexibility for arranging kilns, worktables, storage, and production areas. The building's form emerges from the interaction of construction, material, and the needs of ceramic production.

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