Architectural Cases

The Limbo Engawa project at the Limbo Museum in Accra, Ghana, represents a thoughtful fusion of architectural principles and cultural reinterpretation. This innovative installation, conceptualized by TAELON7 under architect Juergen Benson-Strohmayer's guidance, draws inspiration from the traditional Japanese 'engawa' – a transitional space connecting interior and exterior. The project utilizes a modular system of steel frames and repurposed billboard material, creating inviting spaces for social interaction and quiet contemplation within the museum's unfinished concrete structure. It not only provides a physical space but also initiates a dialogue between Ghanaian and Japanese architectural philosophies, emphasizing sustainability and community engagement. This initial phase in Accra will be followed by a complementary installation in New York, further expanding the project's international reach and conceptual exploration.

This architectural endeavor is a testament to how design can transform existing structures and foster new forms of public engagement. By integrating lightweight, woven elements into the raw framework of the Limbo Museum, the installation creates dynamic areas that respond to light, air, and the surrounding landscape. The choice of salvaged materials highlights a commitment to environmental responsibility, while the adaptable nature of the modular system allows for future reconfigurations. Limbo Engawa goes beyond mere aesthetics, serving as a platform for cultural exchange and a practical model for sustainable architectural interventions. It invites visitors to experience the museum not just as a collection of exhibits, but as a living, evolving environment that reflects both local traditions and global design dialogues.

The Reimagination of 'Engawa' in a Ghanaian Context

The architectural installation at the Limbo Museum in Accra, Ghana, reinterprets the classical Japanese 'engawa' – a veranda-like space that acts as a permeable boundary between the interior and exterior of a building. Developed by TAELON7 in collaboration with Art Omi, this project thoughtfully integrates the concept of a transitional zone into the raw, unfinished concrete structure of the museum. The design employs a system of woven elements crafted from recycled billboard materials, creating areas that invite social gathering, contemplation, and a deeper connection with the surrounding natural environment. This adaptation transforms the museum's skeletal framework into a dynamic space that filters light and air while maintaining visual continuity with the landscape.

At the heart of the Limbo Engawa project is the recontextualization of a traditional Japanese architectural element within a distinct Ghanaian setting. The 'engawa,' typically a timber-floored area in Japanese homes, fosters informal social interactions and offers a vantage point for observing the garden. TAELON7's interpretation utilizes steel profiles to form rectangular frames, into which strips of salvaged billboard material are intricately woven. These panels not only provide filtered shade and allow breezes to pass through, but also create a subtle boundary that defines intimate spaces without entirely enclosing them. The use of recycled materials underscores a commitment to sustainability, drawing on local building practices and the urban fabric of Accra to create a unique and environmentally conscious design solution that enhances the functionality and aesthetic of the Limbo Museum.

Transforming an Unfinished Space into a Communal Hub

The Limbo Engawa installation deliberately engages with the unfinished concrete edifice of the Limbo Museum, transforming its raw, open structure into a vibrant communal hub. By introducing lightweight, woven architectural elements between existing columns and along pathways, the project capitalizes on the building's inherent openness, allowing natural elements like vegetation, air, and sound to freely permeate the space. These additions are designed on a human scale, providing comfortable areas for sitting, engaging in conversation, and finding moments of rest. The woven surfaces create intricate patterns of light and shadow throughout the day, guiding visitors through a varied experience of shaded thresholds and expansive open areas that offer sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, fostering a sense of immersion and connection.

Working within the pre-existing, deliberately incomplete concrete framework, TAELON7's design skillfully converts the museum's structural skeleton into a series of inviting, adaptable spaces. The use of salvaged billboard strips as primary weaving material is a poignant choice, reflecting Accra's urban environment and demonstrating an innovative approach to resourcefulness. Once cut into pliable bands, these materials are woven onto steel frames, showcasing a craftsmanship reminiscent of informal building practices prevalent in the region. This method not only offers durability and flexibility but also imbues the installation with a unique texture and narrative. The resulting modular system provides a flexible framework that reconfigures the site into an interactive environment, where the architectural intervention seamlessly integrates with its surroundings to create a meaningful and engaging visitor experience.

Unveiling Earth's Artistry: SolidNature's Vision for Stone

David Mahyari's Vision: Stone as a Canvas for Emotion

David Mahyari, the visionary behind SolidNature, views natural stone as more than just a construction component. For him, it embodies geological history, serves as a conduit for artistic expression, and acts as a catalyst for captivating design experiences. Over the past decade, Mahyari has been instrumental in reshaping perceptions of stone among architects, designers, and the public, transitioning it from a conventional surface into a material capable of conveying profound atmosphere and sentiment.

Bridging Tradition and Innovation in Stone Design

SolidNature operates at the intersection of traditional craftsmanship, cutting-edge technology, and contemporary design culture. The company meticulously selects some of the world's most exquisite natural stones, transforming them into architectural spaces, bespoke art pieces, and large-scale installations. They frequently partner with renowned creatives such as Bjarke Ingels Group, Sabine Marcelis, StudioPROBA, and OMA to develop design experiences that are not only physically navigable but also emotionally resonant. The core principle guiding SolidNature is a straightforward yet ambitious one: to reveal the inherent splendor hidden within the earth's ancient geological strata. Mahyari emphasizes, 'From its inception, SolidNature was never meant to be a typical stone supplier. We chose to see stone not as mere inventory, but as untapped potential, raw geological poetry awaiting interpretation.'

Exploring the Deep Emotional Resonance of Natural Stone

For millennia, stone has been a fundamental element in architecture, gracing historical monuments, temples, and public spaces across diverse civilizations. However, in modern construction, its application has often become formulaic. Mahyari passionately believes that stone deserves a more expressive future. He eloquently states, 'When you stand before a rare slab, you aren't just observing a surface. You're witnessing millions of years of condensed time. Its movement, depth, translucency, and unexpected color transitions evoke emotion; they create an immersive experience.'

SolidNature's Innovative Approach to Stone as a Creative Medium

This profound understanding ignited SolidNature's ambition to redefine stone's place within contemporary design. Instead of confining it to a purely structural role, the company embraces stone as a versatile creative medium, capable of dynamic sculptural forms and evocative atmospheric settings. Experimentation is central to this endeavor. By pioneering advanced fabrication techniques and fostering collaborations with architects and designers, SolidNature pushes the boundaries of how stone can be manipulated and perceived. Mahyari poses thought-provoking questions: 'What if stone could be sculpted like fabric? What if it radiated light? What if it could bend and fold?' He concludes, 'By challenging conventional limits of form and function, we discovered that stone can truly become art.'

From Sculptural Objects to Immersive Stone Environments

While SolidNature is celebrated for its exquisitely crafted objects and unique collectible items, the company also operates in a parallel realm: creating expansive spatial installations that envelop visitors in the visual and tactile richness of the material. Mahyari distinguishes between an object and an environment not just by size, but by their emotional impact. He clarifies, 'At an intimate scale, stone can feel precious, almost like a jewel. At an architectural scale, it becomes atmospheric, influencing light, sound, and movement, completely embracing the visitor.'

The Narrative Power of Stone in Architectural Spaces

Within these meticulously designed environments, stone transcends its material form. Its intricate veining patterns extend across walls and floors, translucent slabs gently filter light, and natural textures subtly guide human movement through space. The very material itself becomes the genesis of a story. Mahyari explains, 'Every stone possesses a geological origin, a unique geography, and a distinct history. This inherent exclusivity serves as the foundational element of its narrative.'

Installations as a Platform for Immersive Storytelling

SolidNature's installations are crucial in articulating its core philosophy. Public projects offer a dynamic arena for the company to explore narrative-driven environments that seamlessly connect material and imagination. A notable example is the Milan Design Week '23 installation, 'Beyond the Surface,' a collaboration with OMA. This experience guided visitors through a series of spaces that drew parallels between geological formation and the human act of dreaming.

Translating Dreams into Geological Journeys

Mahyari elaborates on the Milan Design Week installation, stating, 'We explored the convergence of the dream journey and the stone's journey.' Visitors progressed through stages of discovery, pressure, transformation, and mastery. For Mahyari, these installations are not merely exhibition pieces; they are fundamental to establishing SolidNature as an influential creative brand. He asserts, 'From the very beginning, my goal was for SolidNature to evolve into an inspiring brand. Storytelling through our installations allows people to experience the material on a much deeper, more personal level.'

The Art of Precision: Craftsmanship in Stone Transformation

Beneath the artistic brilliance of SolidNature lies a meticulous and technically rigorous process. The company meticulously manages every phase of production, from ethically sourcing rare stones globally to intricate engineering, precise fabrication, and flawless installation. This integrated approach enables SolidNature to execute highly complex projects while meticulously preserving the material's inherent integrity. Mahyari describes their commitment: 'We position ourselves as partners dedicated to achieving perfection. Every step of the journey is handled by specialists who share an unwavering 'we will make it happen' ethos.' The company's devotion to craftsmanship underscores a deeper conviction that true innovation in stone necessitates both patience and precision. Mahyari aptly observes, 'There are no shortcuts to quality.'

Making Exquisite Stone Accessible Through Ready Made Solutions

Despite working with extraordinary and visually captivating materials, Mahyari is convinced that the future of natural stone lies in expanding its architectural applications. To meet this challenge, SolidNature developed its 'Ready Made' service pillar. This approach prioritizes optimizing fabrication processes and engineering strategies, allowing stone to be efficiently integrated into larger architectural endeavors. Mahyari clarifies, 'Instead of contributing to the commodification of stone, we chose to elevate its status. However, elevation should not imply exclusivity.' By refining production methods, Ready Made enables architects to incorporate natural stone into projects with more constrained budgets, all while upholding durability and environmental responsibility.

Architectural Presence Defined by Subtlety and Strength

SolidNature's impressive portfolio also encompasses significant architectural projects where stone plays a more understated yet fundamentally crucial role. Collaborations with institutions like Fondazione Prada, Jacquemus' Paris headquarters, and the Qatar National Library showcase how carefully selected stone can enhance the spatial identity of public buildings. In these contexts, the objective is not always overt visual dominance. Mahyari explains, 'In expansive public environments, stone doesn't always need to conspicuously stand out to make a powerful impact. When conscientiously sourced and expertly engineered, it can amplify the strength and character of its surroundings.' This delicate equilibrium between overt presence and subtle restraint encapsulates the company's broader philosophy. Stone can be both monumental and overtly expressive, yet it also possesses the power to quietly shape atmosphere, ensure lasting durability, and contribute to overall architectural coherence.

A New Era for an Enduring Material

Over the past decade, Mahyari has observed a significant shift in how designers approach stone. Increasingly, architects and creatives view it not merely as a structural component but as a versatile medium for artistic expression. He notes, 'A decade ago, stone was primarily chosen for its durability or prestige. Today, designers are actively inquiring into the transformative potential of stone.' For SolidNature, this evolution has revealed a role that extends beyond simply supplying materials. Instead, the company acts as a crucial link between two potent forces: the extraordinary natural stones, meticulously formed over millions of years, and the imaginative minds that envision groundbreaking applications for them.

Unlocking Stone's Potential Through Collaborative Design

The inherent beauty of natural stone remains the fundamental starting point. Its unique patterns, varying translucency, and rich geological history offer a design palette unlike any other material. Concurrently, its exceptional durability and longevity establish it as one of the most sustainable materials in architecture, ensuring that structures and spaces endure for generations. From this foundation, designers, architects, and creative thinkers interpret the material in ways that constantly redefine its possibilities. SolidNature perceives its essential role as unlocking this vast potential by sourcing rare and exquisite stones, continually refining fabrication techniques, and supporting ambitious creative concepts from initial idea to final realization.

Empowering Creative Visionaries with Natural Stone

In this dynamic process, Mahyari emphasizes that the designers are the true protagonists. He states, 'Our mission is to bring forth beauty and brilliance.' He clarifies, 'The inherent beauty emanates from the material itself, and the brilliance is a testament to the creative minds with whom we collaborate.' By fostering connections between natural stone and visionary designers, SolidNature enables the material to venture into uncharted territories, while simultaneously ensuring that the creative forces behind each project retain their central role. Mahyari concludes with a resolute declaration: 'We relentlessly pursue monumental wonder, pushing boundaries and continually exploring the evolving potential of natural stone