An Architect's New Vision
Mori/CASA, designed by renowned architect Mao Senjiang, is a unique and daring project that took three years to complete. The building’s irregular wooden entrance, symbolizing the concept of "breaking through," marks the beginning of an entirely new narrative. This design reflects Mao's ongoing exploration of "destruction and creation," moving away from his usual refined Shimizu concrete style. Instead, he embraced a more rugged and rustic approach, collaborating with Danish brand Vipp for kitchen designs, to reimagine the space with a fresh perspective on life.

A Departure from Precision: A Journey into the Rough
Mao Senjiang’s previous works, such as the Mao House and Mori Gallerie, show his deep influence by Japanese architect Tadao Ando, with an emphasis on the meticulous and delicate Shimizu concrete finish. However, in this new flagship store, Mao has broken away from his earlier approach to create a more raw, unrefined space where the fine details emerge naturally. For Mao, the space is simply space, and the objects are just objects. His goal is to achieve a "void" within the space, allowing the objects themselves to tell the story and enrich human experiences, leaving a lasting impression on visitors.

Entering the Space: A Quiet Prelude to Discovery
Upon pushing open the symbolic wooden door, visitors are transported to a tranquil courtyard, cut off from the outside world. Inside, the design focuses on the themes of "emptiness" and "perspective," with a two-story open design on the first floor creating a comfortable atmosphere. A standout feature is the triangular window on the east side, which mirrors the main building. The geometric design of the window allows shadows from the trees outside to form beautiful triangular silhouettes on the wooden floor inside.

Staircase Design: A Floating Work of Art
The staircase leading to the second floor is a unique design, free from visible supporting structures. Integrated into the wall, the staircase extends seamlessly, with steps made from mahogany that appear to float, resembling an art installation. This unusual design adds to the aesthetic appeal of the space, providing visitors with a captivating experience.

Perspective and Layers: A Design that Inspires
The "perspective" effect is a theme that runs throughout the building’s layout, especially noticeable in the "layered" design, where different levels of the building seamlessly interact. On the top floor, an unexpected surprise awaits: a light-filled tea room. With its minimalist furniture and tea sets, the space invites visitors to enjoy tea while experiencing the shifting light and shadows, offering a serene and reflective atmosphere.

The Philosophy of 'Emptiness': Subtle Yet Powerful Design
Mao Senjiang’s work is full of thoughtful details, yet remains understated and unpretentious. It resonates with his pursuit of "emptiness" within a space. He explains, "Emptiness is 'being,' yet you do not feel it exists. It simply exists as a matter of course." This poetic description highlights Mao's unique understanding of contemporary living and space design. By pairing wood with Shimizu concrete, the space emanates natural textures and finishes, creating a fresh, bright environment. The minimalist furniture and soft colors further enhance this poetic transformation of the living space into a realm of art.

Materials Used: Bestwood's Shimizu Concrete
The materials used in the Shimizu concrete construction come from Bestwood, a trusted supplier. "Concrete plywood" is commonly used at construction sites for molding concrete. It provides a smooth, durable surface for poured concrete, offering better water resistance and durability than regular plywood. The "Finnish board" used in Shimizu concrete features a phenolic resin film that is heat-pressed onto the surface. It has high strength, wear resistance, and resistance to chemicals, fungi, and mold. These properties make it ideal for creating a smooth, polished finish with no additional treatments needed. It’s a versatile material used for concrete casting in various forms, including shear walls, columns, and beams.

Project Information
Project Name: Mori/CASA
Architectural Team: Mao Senjiang
Reference: https://www.wowlavie.com/article/240024173




 

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