Skip to content
Cube Bank met Geïntegreerde Tafel by Saya Takamine

Cube Bank met Geïntegreerde Tafel by Saya Takamine is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 A' Design Award in IJzer in Meubelontwerp Competition Category.


IJzerMeubels· 2026

Cube Bank met Geïntegreerde Tafel

by Saya Takamine

Client: Saya Takamine

A' Design Award in IJzer Winner in Meubels Category

5,431

Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #179553

Colors

The Design

About Cube Bank met Geïntegreerde Tafel

Dit ontwerp is geïnspireerd op het contrast tussen beton en groen in alledaagse stedelijke omgevingen. Natuurlijke organische elementen zijn vertaald naar een geometrische ontwerptaal. Het oppervlak roept het beeld op van door regen doordrenkt beton, terwijl de stoffen de ruwheid en onregelmatigheid van het materiaal tot uitdrukking brengen. Koele grijze accenten en een uniforme bureaumat benadrukken de textuur en tonale verhoudingen. Gemengd kunstmos brengt een ingetogen maar waarneembare organische aanwezigheid. Door zorgvuldige beheersing van het grondoppervlak en de hoogte bereikt het ontwerp een visueel evenwicht binnen zijn omgeving.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award in IJzer

Cube Bank met Geïntegreerde Tafel is winnaar van de A' Design Award in IJzer, een prestigieuze erkenning die wordt toegekend aan goede ontwerpen die voldoen aan de professionele en industriële eisen die worden verwacht van goed ontworpen creaties. Winnaars in IJzer tonen grote vaardigheid, hoge specialisatie, deskundig inzicht en het creatieve vermogen van hun makers. Cube Bank met Geïntegreerde Tafel wordt verwacht een hooggewaardeerde, bewonderde en gekoesterde creatie te zijn die praktisch en innovatief is. Dit ontwerp dat de A' Design Award in IJzer heeft gewonnen, integreert de beste praktijken uit de sector en heeft bekwame technische kenmerken die verbonden zijn met knowhow en talent. Cube Bank met Geïntegreerde Tafel wordt gerespecteerd om zijn grondigheid en is ontworpen om verbeteringen van de levenskwaliteit te bieden die helpen de wereld een betere plek te maken.

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

Sponsored

Explore Beyond Designers.org

Discover products, services and opportunities from our advertising partners.

Good Design Deserves Great Recognition

The A' Design Award is an international, juried accolade for good design. Take part in the A' Design Award to get an opportunity to earn meritocratic recognition, gain fame, prestige and publicity for your work. Nominate your work for the A' Design Award and compete for the coveted A' Design Prize.

Nominate