A Next-Generation Housing Project

This project was launched at the initiative of Daikyo Inc. and carried out in collaboration with numerous partners, including Nagayama Yuko Architects Ltd. As the creative partner, Konel was responsible for the design and production of the wall structure, the prototyping of the drive mechanism, and the creation of the official website.

*The text and photos below are reprinted from the “Relation Wall - THE LIONS 2030 PROJECT” page on Daikyo Corporation’s official website, “THE LIONS.”

Issue

From walls that divide to walls that connect.

In an era where family structures and lifestyles are diversifying,
could our floor plans become more adaptable?

"Relation Wall"
A wall that freely changes its shape,
designing the relationships between people.

Sensing a presence, even when apart.
Welcoming guests while preserving privacy.

"Separating" and "Connecting."
Balancing the two gently ties family and society together.
To enrich family relationships.
To fulfill a rewarding life, starting from the home.

The wall begins its flexible movement.

Creation

Connecting relationships in diverse ways through the placement of walls.

A home that can transition from an exclusive private sanctuary to a welcoming space for guests will undoubtedly nurture rich interpersonal connections.
Moving freely within an open-plan space, these walls partition the room when you need time alone, and fold away when you wish to share the space with family and visitors.

Technology

Movable walls and a system ceiling that free the home from the traditional LDK layout.

By incorporating a modular system that combines design and structure into the ceiling—a space that traditionally held little functional purpose in residential homes—we have realized a highly adaptable and free-flowing floor plan.

Mobility:

Circular rails span the ceiling, allowing the walls to travel freely throughout the room. Crafted from wood and mesh fabric, the walls project both a sense of softness and a distinct presence.

Light Control:

When the expandable wall is stretched out, the fabric allows light to pass through. When compressed, the louvers gather together, making it possible to block out the light.

Sound Insulation:

We are currently conceptualizing the development of special materials designed to absorb sound energy. A single wall will be capable of blocking out everyday noises, such as voices during remote work or the sound of a vacuum cleaner.

Exhibition Information

We exhibited the Relation Wall, which is currently under development, at DESIGNART TOKYO 2025.

Venue: MEDIA DEPARTMENT TOKYO 1F (19-3 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo)

Dates: Friday, October 31 – Sunday, November 9, 2025