Kazuo Shinohara's Umbrella House Installed at Vitra Campus

Having narrowly escaped demolition.

Design
4.1K 0 Comments

An iconic building by one of Japan’s most influential architects has been reconstructed on the Vitra Campus in Weil am Rhein, Germany.

The Umbrella House by Kazuo Shinohara was built in Toyko back in 1961, six years after the architect had founded his own studio. When the announcement was made that the structure was to be demolished to make way for new roads, Vitra set about acquiring and preserving it. In collaboration with the Tokyo Institute of Technology, the design museum’s team began dismantling the building in 2020, before sending its wooden structure to the campus in Germany. Reconstruction began in September 2021, and – given the care and attention to detail required – has only just been completed.

Rolf Fehlbaum, Chairman Emeritus of Vitra says:

“It can make sense to move a building if its construction easily allows this, and of course, it must fit into the context of the new location.

The Umbrella House meets both criteria: it is relatively simple to relocate and it connects with the strong Japanese presence – Tadao Ando, SANAA and soon Tsuyoshi Tane – on the Vitra Campus.”

Throughout his career, Shinohara built up a distinctive style – sometimes referred to as the “Shinohara School” – which would go on to influence some of today’s most prominent architects, namely Toyo Ito and Kazuyo Sejima. Shinohara himself divided his work into four styles, each addressing different issues and challenges, with the Umbrella House being one of the last remaining residences from his so-called First Style.

Inside, there is a kitchen, living rooom, bathroom and tatami room, which is separated from the other living quarters via sliding doors. Its name is in reference to the umbrella-like roof structure, which helps to make the space appear more significant when it is, in fact, quite small. In its original placement, all furniture throughout the space was designed by Shinohara himself, with some pieces by designer Katsuhiko Shiraishi. Today, the house is furnished with a mix of replicas and original pieces.

You can see the Umbrella House at the Vitra Campus now, alongside the HQ’s other impressive structures, and a multicolored exhibition by designer Sabine Marcelis taking place at the Archive. Elsewhere in design, Danish furniture brand FRAMA has teamed up with Hender Scheme to create a new collaborative collection that sees some of its old pieces reimagined.

Vitra Campus
Charles-Eames-Straße 2
79576 Weil am Rhein, Germany

Read Full Article

What to Read Next

Major Nike Exhibition Opens at the Vitra Design Museum
Design

Major Nike Exhibition Opens at the Vitra Design Museum

“Nike: Form Follows Motion” tracks decades of design history, and marks the brand’s first ever museum show.

A House Designed by Jean Prouvé Has Popped up in Paris
Design

A House Designed by Jean Prouvé Has Popped up in Paris

Visitors to Design Miami.Paris can now go inside the architect’s former summer house.

Listings: Frank Lloyd Wright’s Winn House Is Selling for $1.85 Million USD
Design

Listings: Frank Lloyd Wright’s Winn House Is Selling for $1.85 Million USD

Located in Kalamazoo, Michigan.


Five of the Best Installations at Alcova Miami 2024
Design

Five of the Best Installations at Alcova Miami 2024

Returning from Milan for a second year, Alcova highlights a curated selection of the world’s foremost designers redefining living for future contexts and pushing design to new heights.

Paul Walker's 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 Is Expected to Fetch Over $1M USD
Automotive

Paul Walker's 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 Is Expected to Fetch Over $1M USD

One of the ‘Fast & Furious’ stars’ greatest driving machines.

The Limited Edition Maserati Grecale PrimaSerie Is Coming to North America
Automotive

The Limited Edition Maserati Grecale PrimaSerie Is Coming to North America

Limited to 325 vehicles for each edition.

Lanvin Drops Its $950 USD Take on the Rubber Bucket Bag
Fashion

Lanvin Drops Its $950 USD Take on the Rubber Bucket Bag

Featuring house signatures such as the “Lanvin Blue” colorway and the Jeanne Lanvin motif.

'Evangelion' and Final Audio Ready EVA2020 "Type-REI" Earbuds
Tech & Gadgets

'Evangelion' and Final Audio Ready EVA2020 "Type-REI" Earbuds

Based on the character “Ayanami Rei.”

'Devotion' Trailer Previews Aerial Action in America's Forgotten War
Entertainment

'Devotion' Trailer Previews Aerial Action in America's Forgotten War

Premiering this November.


"In Every Dream Home A Heartache" in GUARDIAN ANGEL's Fall 2022 Collection
Fashion

"In Every Dream Home A Heartache" in GUARDIAN ANGEL's Fall 2022 Collection

Expanding on its accessory offerings.

Beats by Dre Tap Marcus Rashford and Dave for Illustrative Short Film 'Never Beaten'
Sports 

Beats by Dre Tap Marcus Rashford and Dave for Illustrative Short Film 'Never Beaten'

Coming alongside three pieces of artwork illustrated by Gaia Alari.

Garou Arc in 'One-Punch Man' Concludes After Seven Years
Entertainment

Garou Arc in 'One-Punch Man' Concludes After Seven Years

The “Hero Hunter” takes on Saitama in an 80-page battle.

Closer Looks: HOOD BY AIR Lilac Capsule Collection
Fashion 

Closer Looks: HOOD BY AIR Lilac Capsule Collection

JUICE Exclusive

The Spice House Taps Barbecue Pitmaster Rodney Scott for Line of Signature Blends
Food & Beverage

The Spice House Taps Barbecue Pitmaster Rodney Scott for Line of Signature Blends

Featuring “Smoky Sweet Chile,” “Green Chile Lime,” “Carolina Fire,” and “Garlic Butter Pepper.”

More ▾