The soul of the tree showcased in light 18. June 2026

There are moments in our daily work that particularly inspire us: when our partners come to us with a vision that goes beyond the ordinary. We recently had the privilege of realizing such a project close to our hearts on the shores of Lake Zurich. A symbiosis of centuries-old Japanese connection to nature and Swiss lighting precision.

The journey from the forests of Yoshino
At the heart of it all is solid Yoshino Hinoki cypress wood. It all began deep within the tradition-rich, mist-shrouded forests of the Yoshino region in Japan. There, where nature has been nurtured with reverent respect for generations, the client personally selected a very special natural material: solid Hinoki cypress wood. This wood is sacred in Japan; it breathes history, radiates a deep sense of calm, and possesses an incomparably fine grain. The challenge for us? The lighting should not just fit in, but become part of this unique world of materials.

Hand in hand for a custom KIVO creation
To create a perfect unity within the space, the covers of our KIVO luminaires were crafted from the very same precious Hinoki wood. The result is a soft, clear illumination of the table surfaces, while the indirect light gently showcases the warm grain of the wooden ceiling. This creates a calm, balanced atmosphere in which architecture, materiality, and light flow harmoniously into one another.

Pushing boundaries together
Behind every extraordinary project are people with a shared passion. For the realization on Lake Zurich, we had the privilege of working closely with Zurich-based architect Yuichi Kodai. His goal was to bring the Japanese design philosophy and the valuable Hinoki cypress wood into perfect harmony.

In profile: Yuichi Kodai
Yuichi Kodai is the founder of the Zurich- and Kyoto-based studio kodai and associates. His architecture is shaped by the philosophy of the "Gesamtkunstwerk" (a total work of art): for him, space, material, and light become an inseparable unity. After working at renowned firms such as Herzog & de Meuron in Basel and London, he now dedicates himself to projects that create a deep connection between people and their surroundings. His expertise in working with traditional Japanese materials like Hinoki wood makes him a valued partner for clients seeking the extraordinary.

We sincerely thank Yuichi Kodai for the inspiring collaboration and the valuable exchange that made this project so unique.

Do you have an idea that is looking for a custom solution?
Whether it is a small adjustment or a complex custom creation: we love it when we can push boundaries together with you.

Feel free to contact us directly. We look forward to bringing your vision to life with the perfect light.