Shodoshima the GATE LOUNGE

Team：VUILD
Size：81.9 ㎡   
Location：Kagawa, Japan

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Feature：

Project - Nestled in the remote Shodoshima island off western Japan, VUILD has completed The GATE LOUNGE, a multipurpose facility celebrating olive cultivation. The architects proposed a new way of timber construction that maximizes local resources while seamlessly integrating digital fabrication processes. A key focus was harnessing Shodoshima's abundant cypress forests as the primary building material. By setting up a small CNC mill and drying kiln on-site, over 700 locally-felled cypress logs could be precisely machined into the arching structural components. This digital approach replaced the need for skilled carpentry and enabled complex joinery typically reserved for master craftsmen. Beyond material sourcing, the design skillfully harmonizes with the island's climate. The three-winged form encourages natural ventilation by funneling breezes, while layered wall apertures provide ample daylighting. Exterior granite boulder foundations anchor the timber structure, deeply rooting it to Shodoshima's geology. An immersive experience awaits visitors who can observe olive cultivation, production and even sense the island's terroir through architecture intentionally shaped by light and wind. The GATE LOUNGE exemplifies how digital tools can uplift regional construction methods to create place-sensitive, sustainability-minded design.

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Design Team - Established in 2017, VUILD is a visionary architecture collective dedicated to pushing the boundaries of design through the seamless integration of digital fabrication technologies. Comprising passionate designers, technicians, and fabricators, the firm harnesses the power of its in-house digital manufacturing capabilities to deliver innovative architectural solutions from concept to construction. Starting from their roots in furniture design, VUILD has since expanded their expertise into the realms of residential and commercial architecture. Their 2019 debut project, "House for Marebito," earned widespread acclaim. Emboldened by this success, VUILD has since taken on an array of ambitious architectural commissions, always striving to challenge conventional industry norms. Guided by a collaborative, inventive, and regenerative design philosophy, the VUILD team works closely with clients to create experiential, high-performance buildings that redefine the possibilities of the built environment. By constantly questioning existing assumptions and pioneering novel fabrication processes, the firm is leading the charge towards a more innovative, sustainable, and democratized future for architecture. Under the visionary leadership of CEO Hiroki Akiyoshi, VUILD's talented roster of architects, engineers, and fabricators are united in their mission to co-create inspiring visions for the next generation. With a growing portfolio of awards and accolades, VUILD is firmly established as a trailblazer in the architecture industry, pushing the boundaries of what's possible through the power of digital design and manufacturing.