Wabi Sabi Architecture: What Is It and Why Embrace It?

When something is flawless, it’s stunning. Yet, the reality is that most things really aren’t flawless. In an age of artificial intelligence capable of creating the perfect images without a blemish to be seen, there’s something special about the imperfect. That is what wabi sabi architecture has to offer.

As an architect, you certainly want to strive to create something that really is perfect in every way. A few numbers that are “off” in your calculations are going to be a problem. Wabi sabi architecture pays homage to and even honors the imperfect.

Wabi sabi is the premise that you can find beauty in something that is imperfect or incomplete. It is about the atmospheric feeling of the space, not just the way it looks. The term comes from a Japanese art style noted for its imperfect and impermanent look. More so, the “sabi” component of this term refers to the “bloom of time”, referring to the effect that time has on that piece of décor or beautiful space.

Sometimes, it is easier to see what something is based on what it is not. Consider a few examples of what is not found in Wabi Sabi:

• Repetitive patterns

• Neutral colors

• Simple, plain surfaces lacking texture

• Perfectly clean spaces.

• Perfection

Designers are moving to incorporate more of a wabi sabi architecture into their spaces for many reasons. Minimalistic styles are on their way out. The wabi sabi style of design is the perfect way of moving minimalistic forward.

Notre Dame du Haut, nicknamed Ronchamp Chapel, is one of Le Corbusier’s most loved buildings. Photo by Ricardo Gomez Angel

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Wabi Sabi Is Not Ugly

Don’t make this mistake. Wabi sabi is not about gory or graphic elements. It is not about the valorization of ugliness in any way. It’s simply “not perfect.”  Another way to understand the concept of wabi sabi is to think of it as an art of accepting the natural cycle of growth and decay.

It’s treasured, valued, and time-worn. At the same time, wabi sabi architecture is incredibly inviting, alluring, and, at times, peaceful and calm.

The Foundations and Principles That Make Up Wabi Sabi Architecture

With so many unique descriptive elements that represent wabi sabi architecture, it can seem a bit confusing to add it to your next design. Let’s focus on wabi sabi interior design by breaking down the specific principles that make it truly mesmerizing.

Authentic to a Fault

Start here. The fundamental aspect of wabi sabi is that it is authentic. The focus is on a connection between the Earth and its natural resources.

Perhaps the best strategy for creating this is to focus on originally manufactured items. That is, skip the mass-produced “stuff” and instead focus on originality. Instead of purchasing one of the limited edition figures that has 5000 in its line, look for the one piece someone individually created. To incorporate this concept, utilize time-tested items. Items picked up from local crafts shows or artist studios work the best. Even flea market finds could be the ideal component to add to this décor. Authentic and original are core components to focus on.

Raw Textures

Another component of this architectural style is the focus specifically on raw and natural elements. Again, this is not the place for artificially created images. Instead, look for raw textures. Rusted, time-tested, a bit of ageing, and organic in its creation are all terms that could fit this profile.

Organic and natural elements wear over time. They show their age from exposure to the elements, being handled by people, and just passing through time. That ageing process is unique to each piece. It’s quite beautiful when you consider the hands that touched that item or the times that piece has been through.

At the same time, don’t assume items must be old. Time-tested is certainly desirable. So are newer crafted items with their raw, less refined texture. Items made from the hands of people or cherished pieces passed down through generations are all good examples.

Interior of Notre Dame du Haut, nicknamed Ronchamp Chapel. Photo by Ricardo Gomez Angel

Explore the Wijaya and Zen Teachings

For the authentic application of wabi sabi architecture and interior design, consider taking some time to explore the Wijaya and Zen teachings. These are the specific elements from this Japanese art form that are so prominent in this style. They focus on the following elements:

• Kanso: The art of simplicity, not complicated, and natural

• Fukinsei: The art of asymmetry and irregularity, as it is found in nature

• Shibumi: The beauty in the understated and natural allure that may be less refined

• Yugen: The premise of subtle grace

• Seijaku: The feeling and experience of tranquillity created by the inclusion of the element

• Shizen: The naturalness without any pretence

• Datsuzoku: A sense of freeness and away from the binds of modern society

It’s quite the statement. With so many unique elements to explore, the concept of wabi sabi is incredibly fascinating. In fact, it is fascinating in its simplicity.

Explore the Examples of Wabi Sabi Architecture

In modern architecture, perfect lines and symmetrical shapes are very common. It is naturally appealing to many people. Yet, there are many locations throughout the world that pay homage to what’s more natural. Nature isn’t straight lines but uneven and unique in each element that springs forward.

To help you see some of the beautiful creations that can be aligned with wabi sabi, consider the following examples. Then, look for examples within your own community.

The Kaleidoscope Property

The Kaleidoscope property is a mixed-use workspace. It includes a residential studio as well. It’s located in central Vietnam and melds perfectly with the location’s beautiful natural state. There are a few key aspects of this property that make it quite unique. For example, Inrestudio, the design firm that created it, sits within a forested hill and the sea. The roof is the first noticeable strange element. It’s certainly not even and clean. Instead, it’s off-centred, heavy, and even sculpture in its nature.

Photo by Inrestudio

Though strangely uneven, it is quite fascinating how alluring this property is. There are ventilation blocks and a white spiral staircase around the exterior that beckons you in. Everything works well together, but each is also a distinctive component of the overall design. Notably, this is not just about design elements, though. The ventilation blocks are eye-pleasing but also necessary for the heat in the area.

Each component of this property is carefully selected. For example, the fibre-reinforced concrete blocks within the space do not match and are uneven. They are highly effective at providing ventilation to the area, though. They also create an unusual light casting over the area.

Designing a Wabi Sabi Home

Around the world, the wabi sabi architectural style is gaining more attention as people seek more natural and fulfilling architectural spaces. By traditional forms, wabi sabi is aesthetically minimalistic, though not truly limited, and tends to offer a rougher, more natural look. To develop a project with this architectural style, focus on the following:

Focus on organic materials

One of the most important elements of this design is organic and authentic inspiration. The best way to create this is by using truly organic materials. Skip factory-produced anything and instead focus on items that are truly authentic and nature-made.

Consider organic materials for the walls and construction of the property. Also, include it in the furniture added to the space. More so, when choosing these items, work to minimize any negative impact on the surrounding fauna and flora, paying homage to it instead. Source from local reserves that do not tax the environment.

Modest color

As noted previously, neutral colours are not the focus of this design. You can use color but aim to be more modest. Look for natural colours rather than bright or neon “screaming” colours.

For example, choose natural hues of every element within the space. Each piece does not have to match (and certainly should not). Instead, ensure they work together. Note that the colour can be faded and worn. The passage of time on any element is acceptable. That doesn’t mean broken or dirty. It means worn through the hands of time.

Unique fixtures and elements in each space

Avoid any factory-produced elements within the space. Any piece worth being placed in a wabi sabi style of architecture must be unique. Those one-of-a-kind elements are often artistic. Whether it is a hand-built table or a décor element for the wall, ensure no one else will find the same thing anywhere else.

The key here is that no two pieces are the same. They are not repeatable. Instead, choose pieces custom-designed for a space. Look for those that are natural and meaningful to the surrounding area. Remember, organic materials matter, too.

Brutalist furniture works well

Furniture for a wabi sabi space should focus heavily on natural elements but also on unique items. A piece of wood makes for the ideal table, but one that has not gone through a mill to make it uniform in shape. Look for tree trucks and bark to add to the elements of the space. Choose furniture that’s versatile instead of matching.

Keep in mind that you can use maximalist styles here. Each piece can tell a story. Time-honoured items are nearly always perfect for this space. The only rule to really focus on is not incorporating mass-produced furniture that lacks any authentic character to it.

Incorporate nature

The natural element is critical to wabi sabi. It makes sense, then, to incorporate nature into each design. Instead of a row of potted plants, consider a tree climbing the wall. Instead of a simple flower arrangement to add a pop of colour, choose plants in their natural habitat, springing from the ground.

Always focus on the premise of imperfection. There is no balance from one side of the room or space to the other. An indoor garden is mesmerizing in its ability to offer that type of unique charm. It also brings the natural elements into the space without overpowering its simplistic design. Think about what would happen if the forest broke into the space and began flourishing there.

Vintage treasures work exceedingly well

Choose décor items that show the passage of time. They may have ageing marks or slight dings to them. They may have a patina developed on the exterior. A leather sofa, for example, with wear marks on the arms shows character. You can only imagine who sat there, dreamed there, and lived their life in that space.

Select items such as an old rocking chair that offers ornate detailing like hand-carved beauty. You may want to consider older mirrors, sculptures, and worn old bricks to add to the character of the space as well. Choose something that speaks to you. 

The Notable Designers of the Wabi Sabi Architectural and Interior Design Trend

Wabi sabi is becoming more of a prominent element in architectural design. You can attribute that to a few choice designers and architects. These individuals have embraced the use of this style throughout their projects. It certainly shows.

Axel Vervoordt

Photo by: Axel Vervoordt Company

A designer, architect, and gallerist, Axel Vervoordt is perhaps one of the ideal examples of industry leaders here. He is also a noted antiquity collector. That is shown in the many elements he uses in this design.

Noted for its calm interiors that bring a sense of peace, Vervoordt utilizes the wabi sabi design principle in various manners. Simple, refined, natural, and incredibly alluring.

Paulsen and Nilsen

Photo by: Paulsen and Nilsen

This dub of architects and interior designers is noted for their use of wabi sabi styling in many of their projects. The organization, founded just in 2009, has made a name for itself. The work of its two-person team, Mariann Paulsen and Kristine Nilsen, has been noted for its exceptionalism.

While it is quite architectural and more minimalistic, these designers have such a hold on wabi sabi. For example, they are noted for using imperfect wood pieces. They incorporate a sense of natural warmth into the space. Natural light, simplistic and never-repeatable patterns, and natural browns are common in their designs.

Lorna de Santos

Photo by: Lorna de Santos

Lorna de Santos is a design studio that has embraced this style. Its foundation is clean, raw materials, those that are naturally beautiful. When designing the space, they focus on a unique blend of tradition and context of the area.

The goal in their work is often quite alluring in that it takes into consideration the inhabitants’ senses and melds with them a physical experience. Furnishings, natural light, and fabulous natural materials help to create a soothing space that is quite unlike any other.

Tadao Ando

Perhaps one of the most recognized names in the industry is Tadao Ando, a Japanese architect who has often created spaces that fall under the realm of critical regionalism. He is also a Pritzker Prize winner. His work is easily found throughout Japan and has influenced architectural elements around the world.

A self-taught architect, his work is noted throughout the industry. He uses reinforced concrete with natural colours and hues. Added to this is a unique blend of natural light, water, and space.

Chan + Eayrs

Another design and architectural firm noted for its fitting elements for the wabi sabi design is Chan + Earyrs. The organization has worked to develop spaces that offer a tranquil and warm feeling. They are not refined in the sense of perfection but rather a type of pared-back elegance.

Numerous notable elements are found in this organization’s style. You will find warm colours, simplistic designs, uneven components, and light manipulation. The team is so dedicated to creating unique spaces that it devotes its time to just one project at a time.

Investing in the Wabi Sabi Architectural Design

Wabi sabi is more than a minimalistic charm. It pulls back the covers and reveals the reality of time. From aged areas to incredibly beautiful natural elements, every environment is unique to itself. In a world where it is so easy for everyone to buy the same mass-produced product, this type of architecture honours the exact opposite.

Treasured, timeliness, and a unique sense of natural unevenness make for this architectural style. For those straining under an endless list of things to do, craving something more, the simplistic design and natural refinement of wabi sabi architecture can be an excellent allure. It’s about appreciating the beauty of natural elements, the passage of time, and the uneven, imperfect world that is the reality around most people today.