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ARCHITECTURE & GARDEN

 

 

 

 

 

 

kodai and associate was founded in the historic city of Kyoto, Japan,

and operates our design services from Zürich, Switzerland.

We embrace the notion of a Gesamtkunstwerk in our approach to garden, interior, and architectural design, profoundly appreciating the transformative power of artworks. Our philosophy seamlessly integrates these disciplines, weaving together concepts, the unique narratives of our clients, and the environments we work within.

Each of our projects reflects this holistic vision. We meticulously select materials that honour traditions and cultures, ensuring sustainable contributions to our designs. This commitment allows us to craft environments that transcend borders and time, creating spaces that deeply connect with their occupants and surroundings.

We invite you to explore our services and embark on a journey with us to create architectural spaces that reflect your aspirations and values.



KOHTEI

 

Shinshoji Zen Museum and Gardens | Hiroshima

Photo: Nobutada Omote

As a director of Architecture in SANDWICH Inc. (Kohei Nawa, Yuichi Kodai, Yoshitaka Lee)

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Zen Temple Pavilion for meditation. The pavilion's roof establishes a profound relationship between the structure and nature, inviting you into the installation within the roof that takes you to the gardens in your mind. The exterior garden makes you aware of our physical reality. The balance of mind and physical experiences formulate Zen.



DAWN AT THE LAKESIDE

 

Zürich | Switzerland

Photo: Yuichi Kodai

 

 

 

 

 

 

A concrete house and garden renovation, creating a living environment that engages our senses every day. Eyes, ears, and skin become conduits, connecting the mind to the great scenery of Lake Zurich, mountains, sky, and the memories of the dweller. Whether you're bathing, cooking, sleeping, or working, the concrete house is reimagined as a protective container, ensuring comfort for both body and mind.



ALTITUDE 1800

 

Valais | Switzerland

At 1800 metres in the Swiss Alps of Valais, this mountain retreat reflects a dialogue between nature and architecture. Designed to invite the landscape into daily life, the interiors balance wood, stone, and clay - each element connecting to alpine views, grounding visitors in the essence of the place. The design blends alpine character with Japanese-inspired clarity, fostering a vivid connection to the surrounding landscape.

Photo: Yuichi Kodai



STUART LOCHHEAD SCULPTURE

 

Old Bond Street | London

 

 

 

 

 

 

A gallery uniting “knowledge,” “artwork,” and “exhibition” in masterpiece arts layered within a Grade II listed building. A transitional walkway guides visitors through the vast collection of the art library, the office, and the main gallery, where arched windows frame sculptures facing the street. Art and history converge in a space that invites both visitors and passersby into a quietly timeless atmosphere.

Photo: Yuichi Kodai



CLEARING

 

Art Flow - Kunst im Limattal | Zurich

Photo: Yuichi Kodai

Artwork by Michel Comte in collaboration with Yuichi Kodai

 

 

 

 

 

 

"CLEARING" is an artwork by Michel Comte in collaboration with Yuichi Kodai that explores the perception of nature within Zurich’s Limmattal forest. Through uncovering overlooked natural elements, it questions the idea of “Nature as Garden” or “Garden as Nature.” The act of clearing reveals hidden forms and prompts a mindful awareness, inviting viewers to reconsider their connection to the forest.



CHALET RESIDENCE

 

Crans-Montana | Switzerland

Photo: Yuichi Kodai

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Swiss chalet transformation weaves together the joys of family and their art wrapped in the warmth of softwood. The design embraces the space with the unique play of natural light, sculpting distinctive atmospheres with the artistry of expert joinery and Japanese master crafting.



KYO-TANGO HOTEL

 

Kyoto | Japan

 

Long-stay hotel in the culturally rich Kyoto Tango peninsula, surrounded by terraced rice fields, forests, and traditional thatch-roofed Minka houses. The hotel will actively engage with the local community, creating an opportunity to take home good memories and a deeper connection with this region's culture, people and nature.

- work in progress -



CHALK GARDEN

 

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew | London

Photo: Georgia Rothman

 

 

 

 

 

 

An English-Japanese garden, a tribute to the horticultural traditions of both our nations, is created by blending the essence of our cultures through the selection of plants and chalk stones. This fusion intertwines within the historic hexagonal structure of the Temperate House, which was built in1862 at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.



BAMBOO SERENADE

 

County Hall Arts | London

Photo: Yuichi Kodai

 

 

 

 

 

 

The bamboo concert pavilion, designed to embrace British classical guitarist Alexandra Whittingham. The design artfully intertwines strings and bamboo along the banks of the river Thames, effortlessly uniting music and structure with the tranquil flow of the river and the caress of the wind.

 

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