# Laminated Lumber Architecture NKS Architects' Meiken Kogyo Head Office is Sculptural By Jana Pijak | Published 2020-08-20 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nks-architects References: [nksarc](https://nksarc.com/project/2413) NKS Architects' Kaori Suehiro and Nobuko Suehiro are behind the Meiken Kogyo Head Office project, located in the heart of Maniwa City, Japan. Spanning 991 square meters in size, the project was completed in 2019 and spotlights a [diagonal lattice structure made with laminated](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/843-n-spring-street) "Rishigumi" lumber. The [wood-clad facade](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pavilion-jardins) combines v-shaped beams and roofing with warm wood interior finishes, creating a seamless flow from the outside in. The east side of the building features a common area along with two levels of office spaces which are connected with a [central atrium feature](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-cleveland-foundation). Additionally, the NKS Architects team created a custom "system that wraps the outer skin of this integrated space with a sufficient heat insulating material and an air barrier that keeps airtightness, and circulates fresh air whose temperature and humidity are adjusted." Image Credit: NKS Architects ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.0/10 - Popularity: 76% | Activity: 64% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Sculptural Architecture:** Opportunity for incorporating unique and artistic designs into architectural projects. - **Laminated Wood Materials:** Potential for utilizing laminated wood for structural elements in buildings, offering strength and aesthetic appeal. - **Sustainable Building Solutions:** Chance to explore eco-friendly construction practices, such as using heat-insulating materials and promoting energy efficiency. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Architecture:** Opportunity for architects to push the boundaries of design and create visually stunning structures. - **Wood Manufacturing:** Potential for wood manufacturers to innovate and produce laminated wood materials for various applications in construction and design. - **Green Building:** Chance for companies specializing in sustainable building solutions to provide products and services that meet the demand for energy-efficient and environmentally friendly structures. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Valley-Inspired Offices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kitaoka-group-office.md) - [Green-Timber Glad Office Spaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lumber-4.md) - [Metal Roof Topped Offices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/office-in-hashima.md) - [Metal Awning Offices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uchida-shoten.md) - [Wooden Residential Parisian Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yamatani.md) - [Timber Tradition Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fukasawa-residence.md) - [Japanese-Inspired Simplistic Offices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lives-post-beam.md) - [Mass-Timber Expansive Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/katajanokan-laituri.md) - [Contemporary Timber Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/house-in-saidera.md)