A Forest School in Japan

Kengo Kuma and Associates designed the Morinos project, a practical forestry school located in the Gifu region of Japan. The school, situated north of Nagoya city, hosts educational programs and workshops that teach students the value of forests and wildlife.

The architecture firm KKAA, led by Kengo Kuma, designed the project for the Gifu Academy of Forest Science and Culture, an institution offering multidisciplinary practical education in forestry and wood use, environmental education, wooden architecture, and woodworking. The cedar trees used in the project were cut down by the academy’s students as part of the educational process.

The building’s striking sloped roof covers a continuous space. This wide eaved roof is supported by columns made from 100-year-old Japanese cedar trees cut by the students, arranged in a V-shaped configuration. This creates an open area in front of the building.

The cedar wood used for door frames and trims has its bark left on. As part of the building’s facade, this supports the natural appearance of the structure. Details like these also contribute to the students’ learning experience.

In this way, the school serves as an example of sustainable forest resource management. Inside, a wall finished with a layered earthen plaster resembling a 12-layer ceremonial kimono, created by local plaster craftsman Syuhei Hasado from the Gifu region, stands out. The project highlights careful and efficient use of forest resources.