Cube Sofa e Kenyeletsang Tafole by Saya Takamine

Cube Sofa e Kenyeletsang Tafole by Saya Takamine is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Moputso oa Tšepe oa A' Design Award in Moralo wa Fenitjhara Competition Category.

TšepeFenitjhara· 2026

Cube Sofa e Kenyeletsang Tafole

by Saya Takamine

Client: Saya Takamine

Moputso oa Tšepe oa A' Design Award Winner in Fenitjhara Category

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Verified Award Winner

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Colors

The Design

About Cube Sofa e Kenyeletsang Tafole

Sebopeho sena se fumana khothatso ho phapang pakeng tsa konkreite le limela tse tala tse fumanehang libakeng tsa toropo tsa letsatsi le letsatsi. Likarolo tsa tlhaho tsa 'mele li fetoletsoe puong ea moralo ea geometry. Bokaholimo bo hopotsa konkreite e kolobisitsoeng ke pula ha masela a bontša ho se bonolo le ho se lekane ha thepa. Mebala e batang e boputsoa bo bosoeu le mata e tšoanang ea deske li hatisa sebopeho le likamano tsa mebala. Moriti oa maiketsetso o kopantsoeng o kenya boteng ba tlhaho bo thibetsoeng empa bo bonahalang. Ka taolo e hlokolosi ea sebaka seo e se nkang le bophahamo, sebopeho sena se finyella tekano ea pono tikolohong ea sona.

The Recognition

About the Moputso oa Tšepe oa A' Design Award

Cube Sofa e Kenyeletsang Tafole ke mohapi oa Moputso oa Tšepe oa A' Design Award, kananelo e hlomphehang e fuoang meralo e metle e finyellang litlhoko tsa porofeshenale le tsa indasteri tse lebelletsoeng ho lintho tse hlahisitsoeng tse entsoeng hantle. Bahapi ba Tšepe ba bontša bokhoni bo boholo, bokhethehi bo phahameng, kutloisiso ea litsebi le bokhoni ba boqapi ba baqapi ba bona. Cube Sofa e Kenyeletsang Tafole e lebelletsoe ho ba ntho e hlahisitsoeng e hlomphuoang haholo, e ratoang le e ratehang, e sebetsang le e nang le mehopolo e mecha. Moralo ona o hapileng Moputso oa Tšepe oa A' Design Award o kenyelletsa mekhoa e metle ka ho fetesisa ea indasteri mme o na le litšobotsi tsa theknoloji tse nang le bokhoni tse amanang le tsebo le talenta. Ka lebaka la botlalo ba eona, Cube Sofa e Kenyeletsang Tafole e tšoanelehela tlhompho mme e entsoe ho fana ka ntlafatso ea bophelo e thusang ho etsa hore lefatše le be sebaka se molemo.

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