Morizo- Architectural Design

Washitsu

“Washitsu“ refers to a particular Japanese room style. With small adaptations, it can become a highly attractive space even outside Japan. A Japanese-style room is a convenient, beautiful, and comfortable small cosmos. Its space is flexible and versatile, allowing for various uses with the ability to open and close it freely.

Traditional Japanese-style rooms are made from natural materials, making them very comfortable and ecological. In addition to traditional Japanese-style rooms however, we also offer concepts that integrate very well with modern European lifestyles.

Created to last

Durable and sensible items. Something that becomes more beautiful with use. An item that you would regret losing. A comfort that feels naturally present without any pretense. This is the design concept that Morizo- aims for.

An item worth preserving for future users and generations should be something special for you today as well. Genuine things can be rich in their simplicity. Instead of amassing luxury or mass-produced items, a few truly important ones are enough. Morizo- designs to fulfill your aesthetic sensibility, focusing on thoughtful creation and lasting use.

Craftmanship

Items crafted by hand evoke a sense of warmth and attachment. Although each piece is costly due to its handcrafted nature, it is well worth it as it can be cherished, repaired, and will last a long time. Above all, a life enriched by spaces created with careful craftsmanship brings a sense of abundance. How about creating a small Washitsu corner in your home?

In today’s world, where the number of skilled artisans is decreasing, it is important that we as consumers stay aware and support the future of craftsmanship. Moreover, craftsmanship where the maker’s face shines through creates a friendly cycle between makers and users. Morizo- aims to be that bridge that connects artisans and clients.

Values / Our Partners

Natural materials and the craftspeople who make the most of these materials and their unique characteristics are indispensable to Morizo-’s proposals.

Tatami Mats

Tatami, a traditional Japanese flooring material, can be used for sitting or lying down. The surface of tatami mats is made from tightly woven, durable grass giving a smooth, silky and all around natural feeling when touched. The core of an authentic tatami mats is made of tightly compressed rice straws. Experience the comfort of tatami, a natural design element, made from durable and yet completely biodegradable materials.

Fusuma & Shōji

Fusuma are "movable walls" that allow easy room partitioning, while shōji are like lace curtains that gently filter the light. Both can be thought of as "sliding art" elements that greatly influence the atmosphere of a room. This appealing system is gaining more and more adoption in Europe. Morizo- aims to explore new uses for these sliding doors according to unique European conditions.

Washi Paper

Washi paper is made for over 500 years. It is a thin, lightweight, and yet durable material that stands as a symbol for the beauty of Japan. High-quality handmade washi gently diffuses light due to its finely textured surface. Traditional washi, made with ancient techniques, is pH-neutral and resistant to deterioration with age, giving rise to its timeless beauty. Modern washi comes in various types and prices. We want to share also the many, lesser known facets of washi with a wider audience.

Wood

Wood can rot, bend, or break, and it has unique characteristics, making it a challenging material to use without knowledge. However, compared to other construction materials, it is lighter, easier to process, and most of all it grows back. Wood has been used since ancient times as an essential material in human creations. With wisdom and technology that make the most of nature's gifts, we can minimize waste and maximize its appeal. Morizo- aims to continue using wood responsibly and to give back to nature.

These are key materials Morizo- suggests, but we also select other natural materials like earth, stone, glass, and lacquer, which grow more beautiful with use. We can also assist in creating spaces with skilled craftsmen.

Our Partners

The Utsuwa Project

The Utsuwa Project is an international network of members focused on traditional Japanese craftsmanship, architecture, materials, and tools. Our shared goal is to promote increasingly rare craft techniques and natural materials, creating a new market for artisanal construction.

Founded in 2015, the project has developed a modular Japanese model space in several iterations, from “Utsuwa 1.0” to “Utsuwa 3.0,” through close collaboration among its members from Japan and Germany. The model is easily transportable, adaptable, and repairable, making it highly versatile and an excellent demonstration of traditional craftsmanship.

Morizo- Architectural Design