Discover The Warp Pavilion: A Fusion of Japanese Joinery and 3D Printing at Dubai Design Week

The Warp Pavilion: A Marvel of Modern Design

Mitsubishi Jisho Design showcased an innovative teahouse pavilion named The Warp at Dubai Design Week 2024. This pavilion is constructed from modular 3D-printed tiles made from sawdust leftover from cross-laminated timber (CLT) production, cleverly joined without any additional fixings.

Design and Collaboration
The project was developed by architects Kei Atsumi and Motoya Iizawa from Mitsubishi Jisho Design, along with Vibha Krishna Kumar from Mitsubishi Jisho Design Asia in Singapore.

The Warp features a unique production system called Regenerative Wood, utilizing a filament made from wood waste mixed with bioplastic for 3D printing building components and furniture.

Innovative Construction Techniques

The pavilion comprises approximately 900 uniquely shaped panels that fit together using traditional Japanese woodworking techniques. Each component is individually numbered, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly without nails, enhancing its portability.

A Vision of Sustainability
"The Warp is more than just a pavilion; it’s a statement about the future of architecture and design," said Atsumi. This project illustrates how technology can rejuvenate traditional practices, paving the way for a sustainable future.

The components are designed for high precision and strength, making them suitable for efficient shipping and construction.

Experiencing Tradition

At Dubai Design Week, The Warp served as a teahouse, inviting guests to engage in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. The pavilion, occupying a 32-square-metre space, is designed with low, square openings typical of traditional Japanese teahouses, creating an organic, twisting interior that symbolizes a journey through space and time.

The Warp is part of a larger initiative to promote closed-loop systems in construction, aiming for zero waste in lumber processing and supporting eco-friendly building practices.

This pavilion represents the third prototype developed under the Regenerative Wood program, following previous projects that explore innovative uses of reclaimed materials.

Photography by DUA Photography.