At Dubai Design Week, Japanese architecture firm Mitsubishi Jisho Design unveiled The Warp, a tea house installation constructed from 3D printed recycled wood. Made up of approximately 900 interlocking panels, the structure was assembled using a traditional Japanese woodworking joinery technique—eliminating the need for adhesives, nails, or screws.
The standout feature of The Warp is its sustainable material. Mitsubishi Jisho Design developed Regenerative Wood, a system that transforms sawdust waste from cross-laminated timber production into 3D printable material. Mixed with PLA bioplastic, the sawdust is extruded into filament for creating modular 3D printed tiles.
Each tile features a unique geometry and ID number, allowing them to fit together seamlessly—like pieces of a puzzle. The design enables quick assembly and disassembly, making the structure portable and reusable. Inspired by traditional Japanese carpentry, the construction approach reflects age-old techniques of wooden joints while incorporating modern 3D printing technology.
Architect Kei Atsumi, who collaborated with Motoya Iizawa on the project, stated, “The Warp is more than just a pavilion; it is a statement about the future of architecture and design. By blending ancient carpentry with modern 3D printing, we have created a new language of architectural expression.”
Visitors to Dubai Design Week experienced the tea house through a Japanese tea ceremony, immersing themselves in both tradition and innovation. The structure’s funnel-like shape contrasts with traditional tea houses while retaining inspiration from nijiriguchi, the small openings used in tea ceremonies. Its open design offers views of the Dubai skyline, combining cultural heritage with modern aesthetics.
By rethinking wood assembly methods, The Warp demonstrates how sustainability and technology can reshape architecture. As Mitsubishi Jisho Design showcased, this approach not only reduces material waste but also expands the possibilities for eco-friendly construction and contemporary design.
