A Design That Is Not Over-Defined

When designing CUCU, my guiding principle was to “not over-define” its form. While retaining the elements of a traditional cuckoo clock, I aimed for a restrained silhouette that would not feel out of place in Japanese living spaces. Rather than letting the form speak too loudly, I placed importance on leaving a sense of openness in the space.

Born as a prototype and then brought into everyday life

In the early stages of development, ash wood was used as the material. It is an appealing choice, with a fine grain and a subtly warm tone. However, from the outset, repairability and adjustability were considered to be just as important as mass production and efficiency.

The prototype I use has also been adjusted once due to the natural movement of the wood. I did not see this as the clock “breaking,” but rather as something entirely natural for a tool made of wood.

Solid wood responds to changes in humidity and environment. That is precisely why I believe a repairable structure is so important. It should be an object that you can live with over time, rather than something disposable. This belief is also why I kept the form as simple as possible.

Later, as the originally used ash wood became difficult to source consistently, we reconsidered the material and switched to Japanese chestnut wood. While not flashy, it has a clear grain and calm tone that grows richer with use. It harmonizes well with the wood and plaster materials commonly found in Japanese living spaces, which gives CUCU an even more natural presence.

CUCU in Japanese chestnut wood