Cube Mahaia Barne Duen Sofa by Saya Takamine

Cube Mahaia Barne Duen Sofa by Saya Takamine is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Burdinazko Saria A' Design Award in Altzari Diseinua Competition Category.

BurdinaAltzariak· 2026

Cube Mahaia Barne Duen Sofa

by Saya Takamine

Client: Saya Takamine

Burdinazko Saria A' Design Award Winner in Altzariak Category

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Verified Award Winner
Verify Award Status for #179553

View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Cube Mahaia Barne Duen Sofa

Pieza honek eguneroko hiri-inguruneetan aurkitzen diren hormigoiaren eta berdeguneen arteko kontrastetik hartzen du inspirazioa. Elementu organiko naturalak diseinu-hizkuntza geometriko batera itzultzen dira. Gainazalak euriak bustitako hormigoia gogorarazten du, eta ehunek materialaren latztasuna eta irregulartasuna adierazten dituzte. Gris hotzeko ukituek eta mahai-alfonbra uniforme batek testura eta tonu-harremanak nabarmentzen dituzte. Goroldio artifizial nahastuak presentzia organiko neurritsu baina hautemangarria dakar. Oinarriaren eta altueraren kontrol zainduaren bidez, piezak oreka bisuala lortzen du bere ingurunean.

The Recognition

About the Burdinazko Saria A' Design Award

Cube Mahaia Barne Duen Sofa Burdinazko Saria A' Design Award irabazlea da, ondo diseinatutako sorkuntzetatik espero diren eskakizun profesional eta industrialak betetzen dituzten diseinu onei ematen zaien aitorpen prestijiotsua. Burdin-mailako irabazleek beren sortzaileen trebetasun handia, espezializazio handia, adituen ulermena eta sormen-gaitasuna erakusten dituzte. Cube Mahaia Barne Duen Sofa oso estimatua, miretsia eta maitea den sorkuntza izatea espero da, praktikoa eta berritzailea dena. Burdinazko Saria A' Design Award irabazi duen diseinu honek sektoreko praktika onenak integratzen ditu eta know-how-ari eta talentuari lotutako ezaugarri tekniko gaituak ditu. Cube Mahaia Barne Duen Sofa zehaztasunagatik errespetatua den lana da, eta mundua leku hobea egiten laguntzen duten bizi-kalitatearen hobekuntzak eskaintzeko diseinatua dagoena.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: Cube is a modular furniture piece that integrates seating and surface functions within a unified, sculptural form.
The texture of concrete is expressed through a curated combination of different fabrics which is achieving a solid appearance with tactile softness.
Inspired by Karesansui, faux moss representing plants is arranged in a natural and restrained yet noticeable balance. The three blocks have different aspect ratios, translating the accidental beauty found in natural concrete cracks into geometric design. The inverted trapezoidal form provides a wide, comfortable seat while minimizing floor contact, allowing the piece to harmonize with the surrounding space.
Dimensions & Packaging: Depth 600 mm x Width 650 mm x Seat Height 370 mm
Tags: Sofa, Table, Concrete, Greenery, Plants, Moss, Contrast, Artificial, Urban Landscape
Production Technology: The internal structure is primarily made of plywood, achieving a lightweight form while maintaining the appearance of concrete. The two sofa cubes incorporate cushioning materials and soft, tactile fabrics, creating seating surfaces that visually resemble concrete yet remain comfortable and inviting.
Design Challenge: Determining the taper angle of the base and achieving a realistic visual balance were major challenges. Even a one degree difference in the taper significantly affected the overall impression and proportions, requiring the examination of numerous 3D models. In pursuit of realism, extensive experimentation was conducted to identify the optimal fabric combinations and paint color adjustments to express the texture of concrete.
Research: In the process of translating the concept into a product, existing furniture was researched and evaluated based on real world usability. This informed a balance between visual appeal and functional comfort. From the structural framework to the upholstery, the piece was repeatedly examined and refined from a makers perspective, leading to continuous improvements throughout the production process.
Inspiration: This project draws inspiration from the contrast between the inorganic, artificial concrete that fills urban environments and the greenery that sprouts powerfully from its crevices. It aims to transform the relationship between artificial outdoor elements and the modest yet vigorous vitality of the plants thriving within them into an indoor object at a scale suitable for everyday living spaces.
Project Duration: The project started in June 2025 and finished September 2025 in Okinawa, Japan
Operation Flow: Of the three cubes, two function as cushioned sofas and one as a wooden table. The table can hold drinks or books, encouraging communication with others, while also allowing a single user to relax comfortably with ample space. While the concept is fully expressed when all three cubes are combined, each cube can also be used independently, allowing flexible arrangements depending on the occasion and environment.
Image Credits: Image #1-5: Saya Takamine, Hiroto Nakamura