Komatsu Seiren Fabric laboratory fa-bo by Kengo Kuma

Komatsu Seiren Fabric laboratory
Komatsu Seiren Fabric laboratory
Photo © Takumi Ota

This is a renovation of an office building in rigid-frame RC structure to strengthen its quake resistance using carbon fiber, and transform the interior into a museum called Fab Labo, a space to display the technology of Komatsu Seiren, the client company.

Komatsu Seiren Fabric laboratory
Photo © Takumi Ota

Drawing from a technique of braiding ropes in this region, it became possible to add further flexibility to the carbon fiber.

Komatsu Seiren Fabric laboratory
Photo © Takumi Ota

The fiber rod is said to be ten times stronger than iron, and this is the very first time that this material was used as a means of reinforcement against earthquakes.

Komatsu Seiren Fabric laboratory
Photo © Takumi Ota

The potential of this light and soft fiber is explored inside the building as well.

Komatsu Seiren Fabric laboratory
Photo © Shinkenchiku

There is a lighting duct in fiber and on the rooftop, an experimental greening is being conducted using porous ceramic panels (called Greenbiz), which was generated from the process of producing fiber. Source by Kengo Kuma and Associates.

Komatsu Seiren Fabric laboratory
Photo © Takumi Ota

Location: Ishikawa, Japan
Architects: Kengo Kuma and Associates
Program: Office, Exhibition space
Area: 2,873.42m2
Date: 2015.11
Photographs: Takumi Ota, Shinkenchiku, via Kengo Kuma and Associates

Komatsu Seiren Fabric laboratory
Sito Plan
Komatsu Seiren Fabric laboratory
Plans
Komatsu Seiren Fabric laboratory
Section

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *