circular timber pavilion with voids and slits displays variety of veneer textures and finishes

"Occupying an 11-by-17-meter plot, the project rethinks the conventional trade fair booth, prioritizing openness and spatial clarity within the visually dense exhibition environment. While exhibition halls often favor maximum density, A Nest in the Tree introduces restraint as a design strategy. By stepping back from the aisle and allowing the space to breathe, the booth establishes a clear threshold, inviting visitors to experience it as a unified spatial composition before entering."

"The layout follows a simple program, a single counter for welcoming guests, and a gallery for displaying MUKA's wooden veneer products. The design draws conceptual and material inspiration from the process of veneer making, where thin layers are peeled from solid timber. Similarly, the booth is formed through an approach of carving and hollowing, subtracting and opening volumes within a solid mass. This operation produces a sequence of interconnected spaces for gathering, viewing, and rest."

"From the exterior, the booth appears as a grounded timber structure, but its interior reveals a network of voids and framed openings that encourage movement and visual exploration. Narrow slits along the facade allow glimpses of the interior, establishing a subtle boundary between privacy and display. A muted grey facade opens to a vivid red central counter and a surrounding green wall."

ISSO Architects designed A Nest in the Tree for MUKA at IndoBuildTech 2025 on an 11-by-17-meter plot. The booth prioritizes openness and spatial clarity within a dense fair environment by stepping back from the aisle and creating a clear threshold. A simple program includes a welcoming counter and a gallery for wooden veneer displays. The concept draws from veneer making, using carving and hollowing of a solid mass to create interconnected spaces for gathering, viewing, and rest. Narrow facade slits offer glimpses of the interior and balance privacy with display. A muted grey exterior opens to a vivid red counter and a green wall, revealing veneer colors through a layered chromatic gradient.

Read at designboom | architecture & design magazine