Header: Courtesy of Albed
Architect Kengo Kuma has developed two glass finishes for Albed, called Kodama and Komorebi, both based on patterns he has explored in earlier projects using materials such as wood, metal, and marble. These new designs are screen-printed onto glass panels, which can be used across Albed’s different door systems and partition elements.
Kodama was originally created in 2018 as part of an installation for Arte Sella, where Kuma created a structure based on a system of precise interlocking forms. After rounds of positive feedback, this vision was later applied to furniture and accessories, now appearing as a repeating graphic on glass surfaces. This change from a three-dimensional structure to a two-dimensional pattern was made to allow the original geometry to be used in architectural interiors.
The relationship between the designer and Albed, a brand known to work with designers to create unique designs for a variety of architectural settings, grew considerably after an exhibition held during Milan Design Week. This exhibition focused on the Kodama design and included models, drawings, photographs, and furniture pieces related to the project. As Andrea Delmonte, CEO of Albed, explains:
“Last year, during the Milan Design Week, we hosted the exhibition “Kodama, The Spirit of the Forest” in our showroom – a compelling journey that included tables, photographs, hand drawings, and models in various scales, all revolving around this powerful, almost obsessive element for Kengo Kuma. We had the opportunity to deepen our mutual understanding, which led to a broader collaboration, closely linked to our products and finishes.”
Following Kodama, Kuma developed a second pattern, Komorebi, inspired by the effect of sunlight filtering through tree leaves. The design comes alive with hand-drawn lines that create a repeatable image which can be printed in tones of white, grey, or black on different types of glass, including glossy, acid-etched, matte, smoked, and bronze finishes.
Both patterns are now part of Albed’s catalogue of finishes and can be added to hinged, sliding, folding, or pocket doors, as well as partition walls and walk-in closets. They can be used in virtually all architectural settings, be it residential, hospitality, or office interiors.
