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3161 WHARTON WAY,
MISSISSAUGA,

ON L4X 2B7

3236 WHARTON WAY,
MISSISSAUGA,

ON L4X 2C1

Shoji Screens – Private Residence


Location: Toronto, ON

 

Custom Architectural Panels Blending Japanese Minimalism with Modern LED Functionality

A private residential client engaged RFP Design Group to craft a collection of custom shoji screens that seamlessly integrated handcrafted oak framing, authentic Japanese paper, and advanced backlighting. These illuminated panels were intended to function as architectural features within a contemporary design environment, uniting cultural symbolism with engineering precision.

 

 

Design & Execution

 

Authentic Shoji Screen Craftsmanship

 

Framing & Assembly

  • Constructed from clear-finished solid oak for durability and aesthetic purity. 
  • Custom cut and joined for minimal visible hardware and maximum symmetry.
  • CNC precision fabrication paired with manual detailing for flawless results.

 

Paper Inlay

  • Kozuke White Heavy paper from The Japanese Paper Place. 
  • Applied using Yamato starch paste for traditional integrity and even tension.
  • Designed to evenly diffuse LED lighting while maintaining visual lightness.

 

Backlit LED Integration

 

Light Panel Fabrication

  • Custom-fitted LGP/U-Channel LED panels from Bandis Vision. 
  • 12V, 3000K lighting calibrated for uniform brightness across all units.
  • Wire exit points engineered to be concealed within poplar backer frames.

 

Hardware and Mounting

  • 0117 series 3/4″ offset pivot sets for stable but discreet attachment. 
  • Leveled base pins with felt glides for gentle floor placement.
  • Modular panel configuration allowed on-site alignment without visible fasteners.

 

 

Challenges & Solutions

 

Wire Management & Lighting Calibration

  • Challenge: Concealing LED wiring while preserving the screens’ clean aesthetic. 
  • Solution: Collaborated directly with Bandis Vision to create recessed channels for routing, ensuring seamless integration.

 

Paper Installation and Durability

  • Challenge: Preventing wrinkling or sagging of large-format delicate paper in a humid environment. 
  • Solution: Pre-tested adhesive combinations and controlled humidity during gluing to preserve surface tension.

 

Precision Fitment in Tight Architectural Spaces

  • Challenge: Aligning multiple screens to existing walls with millimeter-level tolerances. 
  • Solution: Used digital fabrication templates and dry-fit testing in-shop before delivery.

 

 

Final Outcome

The Shoji Screens project stands as a hallmark of refined architectural detailing and interdisciplinary collaboration. Through the precise application of traditional materials and modern lighting, RFP Design Group delivered an atmospheric solution that balances craft, culture, and cutting-edge innovation—perfectly aligning with the client’s goal to elevate their interior storytelling through light and form.