Cube ISofa Equka Netafile by Saya Takamine is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2026 Ibhaso Lentsimbi le-A' Design Award in Uyilo lweFanitshala Competition Category.
IntsimbiIfanitshala· 2026
Cube ISofa Equka Netafile
Client: Saya Takamine
Ibhaso Lentsimbi le-A' Design Award Winner in Ifanitshala Category
Verified Award Winner
Verify Award Status for #179553The Design
About Cube ISofa Equka Netafile
Lo msebenzi ufumana ugqozi kumahluko ophakathi kwekhonkrithi nobuluhlaza obufumaneka kwiindawo zesixeko zemihla ngemihla. Izinto zendalo eziphilayo ziguqulelwa kulwimi loyilo lwejiyometri. Umphezulu ukhumbuza ikhonkrithi enethiweyo yimvula ngelixa amalaphu ebonisa ukurhabaxa nokungalingani kwezinto. Imibala engwevu epholileyo kunye nemethi yedesika efanayo zigxininisa uxinzelelo kunye nobudlelwane bemibala. Ubulembu bokwenziwa obuxutyiweyo bungenisa ubukho bendalo obuzinzileyo kodwa obubonakalayo. Ngokulawula ngobunono indawo ethathwayo nokuphakama, lo msebenzi ufikelela kulungelelwaniso olubonakalayo kwindawo okuyo.
The Recognition
About the Ibhaso Lentsimbi le-A' Design Award
Cube ISofa Equka Netafile ngumphumeleli weIbhaso Lentsimbi le-A' Design Award, ukuqatshelwa okuhlonitshwayo okunikwa imiyilo elungileyo eyanelisa iimfuno zobungcali neemveliso ezilindelekileyo kwimveliso ezicwangciswe kakuhle. Abaphumeleleyo beNtsimbi babonisa ubuchule obukhulu, ubuchule obuphezulu, ukuqonda kwengcali namandla okuyila abayili babo. Cube ISofa Equka Netafile iyathenjwa ukuba ibe yimveliso exatyiswa kakhulu, edunyiswayo nethandwayo esebenzayo neyinto entsha. Lo myilo uphumeleleyo weIbhaso Lentsimbi le-A' Design Award udibanisa iindlela ezilungileyo kakhulu zemboleko kwaye unezimpawu zobuchwephesha ezifanelekileyo ezidityaniswe nolwazi netalente. Cube ISofa Equka Netafile iyahlonelwa ngenxa yenkcukacha yayo kwaye yacwangciselwa ukunika uphuculo lomgangatho wobomi olunceda ukwenza ihlabathi libe yindawo engcono.
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
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