In 2023, we had the special honor of designing an impressive Japanese entrance gate for Pairi Daiza, The internationally renowned zoo in Belgium. The project began with a visit by a delegation to our location in Boskoop. For their new Japanese themed world, The Islands of the Rising Sun, While visiting Japan, they were looking for authentic Japanese natural stones and ornaments. During this visit, they also discovered the traditional wooden gate that we had previously designed and built for our partner Bonsai Plaza.

The quality and authentic look of our Japanese woodwork made such an impression that Pairi Daiza asked us to develop a similar gate, but on a significantly larger scale. With impressive dimensions of 6 meters wide and 4.5 meters high This assignment presented a wonderful challenge in translating traditional Japanese architecture into a monumental structure that fits within the special environment of the zoo.

Our architect developed a design that combines centuries-old Japanese building traditions with modern construction techniques. The gate is characterized by an imposing roof structure with traditional Japanese roof tiles, robust wooden pillars, sophisticated wood connections, and characteristic side wings with smaller roof panels. The natural appearance of the wood and the carefully crafted details give the whole a genuine and stately character.

The final design forms a harmonious interplay between Traditional Japanese aesthetics, structural solidity, and artisanal refinement. After approval by Pairi Daiza, our woodworkers were able to begin the construction of one of our most impressive Japanese wooden structures to date.

After approval of the design, the manufacture of the monumental Japanese gate began in our own workshop. Yokoso workshop in Boskoop. Our experienced woodworkers set to work on a construction that combined traditional Japanese carpentry craftsmanship with modern construction techniques. Given the exceptional dimensions, the project required great precision, both in the preparation and execution of the individual parts.

The robust wooden supporting structure forms the foundation of the gate. Heavy beams, horizontal supporting beams, and carefully crafted wood connections support the imposing roof structure. Particular attention was paid to the refined detailing of the exquisite balustrades, roof beams, and characteristic Japanese connections. These structural elements are not only functional, but also form an essential part of the authentic architectural appearance.

The large main roof and the two smaller side wings were finished with traditional Japanese roof tiles. The characteristic curved roof lines, ornate eaves and deep overhangs give the gate its recognizable Japanese silhouette. The solid wooden door frames, fitted with dark metal hinges and refined vertical columns, were also meticulously crafted and coordinated with the structure.

After all the components in our workshop had been prepared and checked in detail, the installation on site at the customer's premises followed. Pairi Daiza in Belgium. Here, the monumental gate was constructed as an impressive entrance to the new Japanese themed world. With the completion of the construction, a remarkable example of Dutch craftsmanship, inspired by centuries-old Japanese building traditions, came to life.