# Wooden Residential Parisian Buildings Kengo Kuma & Associates Designed the Yama-Tani Building By Amy Duong | Published 2024-11-02 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yamatani References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2024/11/01/yama-tani-kengo-kuma-associates-paris/) & [kkaa.co.jp](https://kkaa.co.jp/en/)  Japanese architecture firm [Kengo Kuma & Associates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alberni) has just completed the Yama-Tani. This is a [wooden residential building](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/house-w-1) located in Paris detailed with a [sculptural facade](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mountainous-home) to bring more livelihood to the street. The namesake translates to 'Mountain Valley' in Japanese and the building has pleats of chestnut wood which cascades down onto the street-facing side at angular forms to create patterns of light and shadows. Kengo Kuma & Associates shares the design process, "Playing with its fold, the main facade on the street revisits the relief of the peak of the mountain and the valley. Each section of wood receives the sun following its course. This main facade breaks the linearity and livens up the street – a special vibration which makes the building unique." Image Credit: Sergio Grazia ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.6/10 - Popularity: 12% | Activity: 7% | Freshness: 30% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Sustainable Wooden Architecture:** The use of sustainable wood materials in constructing urban residential buildings addresses both environmental concerns and aesthetic preferences for natural elements. - **Sculptural Building Facades:** Innovative facade designs that play with light and shadow can transform the appearance of urban streetscapes and enhance the visual appeal of neighborhoods. - **Japanese Design Influence:** Integrating Japanese design principles like natural materials and harmonious forms into international architecture can create culturally rich and distinctive living spaces. ### Where This Applies - **Architecture:** Modern architecture is increasingly incorporating sustainable and artistic elements to address environmental concerns and urban aesthetic demands. - **Urban Development:** Urban development projects are focusing on creating visually appealing and eco-friendly residential spaces to improve urban living environments. - **Construction Materials:** The construction materials industry is seeing a shift toward sustainable and natural materials, catering to the growing demand for eco-friendly building practices. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Curved Sculptural Skyscrapers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alberni.md) - [Renovated Museum Exhibition Wings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kengo-kuma-2.md) - [Mass-Timber Apartment Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wood-up.md) - [Vertical Wooden Louvre Stations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/saintdenis-pleyel-station.md) - [Local Timber Japanese Guesthouses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yawn-yard.md) - [Peaceful Wooden-Designed Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hiroo-residence.md) - [Wood-Clad Relaxing Housing Blocks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shigeru-ban-1.md) - [Woodland Arts Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/waterhouseoyama.md) - [Layered Living Residence Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ymk.md)