triangular timber structure encloses tsukumo kiln ceramic studio in kobe, japan
Rotated Timber Frames Define the Studio’s Triangular Structure
Set on a hill within the rural landscape of Kobe, Japan, Tsukumo Kiln by Dept. + OAAA is a ceramic studio surrounded by fields and mountains. Conceived as a working space for ceramic production, the 80.32-sqm building responds to its open setting through a triangular plan, a column-free central workspace, and a continuous translucent envelope.
The structure is organized around three timber portal frames, each rotated 60 degrees from the next. This arrangement produces an equilateral triangular geometry in plan and establishes a building without a conventional front, back, or dominant direction. The same geometric operation defines both the structural organization and the spatial character of the studio.
To maintain an open interior suitable for ceramic production, steel tension rods are incorporated into the structural system to pull and lift the timber beams. This reduces the need for interior columns and leaves the central working area largely unobstructed. The exposed relationship between the timber frames and steel tension members makes the structural forces visible within the workspace.
all images ©Dept. + OAAA
Translucent FRP skin wraps the Studio in a Continuous Envelope
The collaborative design team between studios Dept. + OAAA encloses the exterior in folded FRP panels whose profile follows the geometry of the roof. The roof and walls are therefore treated as a continuous envelope rather than separate architectural elements. The FRP panels were joined on site to create a visually seamless exterior surface. Their translucent quality responds to changing daylight, giving the building different appearances according to weather, time of day, and viewing direction.
Construction was developed as part of the architectural process, with geometry, structural logic, material behavior, fabrication, and on-site assembly considered together. The timber framing, steel tension members, and site-assembled FRP skin retain their distinct material characteristics while operating as a unified architectural system.
Inside, the triangular organization creates multiple relationships with the surrounding landscape, while the column-free workspace allows flexibility in arranging kilns, worktables, storage, and production areas. The limited material palette and repeated geometric operation generate the building’s structure, enclosure, and spatial organization simultaneously, with its architectural form emerging from the interaction between construction, material, and ceramic production.
roof and walls are integrated into a single folded skin
three timber portal frames form the primary structural system
each timber frame is rotated 60 degrees from the next
the triangular plan eliminates a conventional front and back
exposed timber and steel elements reveal the studio’s structural logic
Tsukumo Kiln sits on a hill surrounded by fields and mountains
tension members reduce the need for interior columns
the open interior accommodates kilns, worktables, storage, and production areas
timber, steel, and FRP retain their distinct material characteristics
the translucent skin changes appearance with shifting daylight
project info:
name: Tsukumo Kiln Ceramic Studio
architects: Dept. | @dept._ + OAAA
location: Kobe, Japan
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edited by: Christina Vergopoulou | designboom
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