Velocity Studio has designed a remarkable curling roof for the Sannouno Office in Okazaki, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. This unique roof allows people to walk on its surface, creating an innovative interactive space. The building is a two-level wooden structure: the first floor houses office spaces integrated with an outdoor terrace, while the second floor features a small public kitchen and dining area that opens onto the rooftop platform. Strategically placed openings in the roof enable trees from the ground floor to grow through, bringing natural elements seamlessly into the interior environment.
The two-story wooden structure features an open-plan design on the ground floor, while the rooftop outdoor area offers privacy, shielded by the closely surrounding buildings. The curling roof appears to float amidst the neighboring residences, and its unique shape creates varying ceiling heights below. Trees growing from the ground floor extend upward through the roof openings, fostering a park-like atmosphere within the office building.
During the roof’s design process, Velocity Studio explored the use of gravity and tension to develop a novel curved roof with a flat surface and an exceptionally thin cross-section. To achieve this, the roof employs a prestressed structure where the maximum expected load is pre-stretched and fixed in place, ensuring both strength and elegance.
△ Construction process
△ Roof structure inspection
Project Information
Project Name: Sannouno Office
Architectural Design: Studio Velocity
Location: Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan
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