Scroll Hut

PrizeHonorable Mention in Architectural Design /
Firm LocationTokyo, Japan
CompanyMusashino University
Lead ArchitectHiroyuki Futai

'Scroll Hut' is a self-build pavilion on campus. Responding to the light, it shows unique morphing between different geometries. One is the fern, biological swirl form, and the other is the roof, architectural triangular form. These traditional design motifs seamlessly merge into a livable architecture by using today's electronic technologies. The Design approach is biomimicry, emulating nature's time- tested patterns and strategies. This project focussed on the manner in which a fern frond emerges. So, how is the manner applied to architectural? The answer is this pavilion with the transformation system between bracket lights and a roof. The body is assembled from 40 sets of scroll system with sensors and actuators. During the day, the scrolls roll out and become the translucent roof shade of the pavilion. The photo sensor of each system is monitoring the daylight shifts of its surroundings, and the scroll is rolling out and back individually by a stepping mortar. At night, the scrolls roll back to the ends and work for bracket lights of the pavilion. During the school semester, it usually stands on the open floor between classrooms, and students take breaks inside of its space. After each semester, it temporally is moved out and set on the grass between school buildings, and students enjoy playing around its space.