Modular Timber Façade Uses Variation To Shape Light And Shadow

The WA MA façade uses approximately 3,000 suspended solid-wood cubes to create a three-dimensional screen around a private residence in Tel Aviv-Jaffa, Israel. Roni Karsh designed the modular system with stainless-steel supports and a limited set of precisely manufactured components. Natural differences in the wood grain add further variation across the surface.

Order On The Outside

From the exterior, the wooden cubes form a consistent architectural grid. Uniform spacing and proportions give the façade a calm and coherent appearance. Although each component occupies a fixed position within the system, the cubes do not all share the same shape.

The design uses around 30 different cutting geometries. The project team distributed these variations across the façade to form a continuous composition. This approach combines the efficiency and accuracy of industrial production with differences between individual elements.

A Changing Interior Experience

Viewed from inside the residence, the façade presents a more complex spatial character. Each geometry receives daylight at a different angle. As a result, shadows, reflections and areas of visual depth change throughout the day.

The suspended cubes act as both architectural components and light-modulating elements. Their varying cuts break up incoming daylight, while the natural grain and texture of the solid wood affect how each surface reflects light. Even cubes with the same geometry therefore have slightly different appearances.

Industrial Production With Controlled Variation

WA MA relies on a repeatable manufacturing system that can produce thousands of components accurately. However, the project does not use this precision to make every element identical. Instead, it organises a controlled series of variations within a standard structural grid.

Each cube belongs to a defined family of geometries. Its position also influences the overall pattern of light, shadow and depth. This method demonstrates how modular production can support visual diversity without disrupting the coherence of a building envelope.

Material And Architectural Scale

Wood plays an important role in balancing repetition and individuality. Its colour, grain and texture prevent complete visual uniformity, while its consistent use maintains a restrained material palette. Stainless steel provides the supporting structure for the suspended façade.

Although developed for a private residence, the concept could inform other façade and screening applications. It shows how designers can use a limited set of modular timber components to create responsive architectural surfaces at a larger scale.

WA MA was designed and executed by Roni Karsh, with Sammy Kattan as co-designer and engineering by Erez Giat. AsianDavinci served as the international production and fabrication partner.

Source: Roni Karsh (via V2com)
Photos: Dor Kadmi