Swaths of crumpled tracing paper cocooned the interior of this pop-up bar in a Japanese gallery to transform the space into a cozy cave (+ slideshow).

Local studio Naoya Matsumoto Design created the small Yorunoma bar behind a typical glass shopfront in the Abeno-Ku ward of Osaka.

The pop-up venue, which ran until August, was part of a summer programme at Abenoma – a gallery that occupies a row of converted houses in the city.

The crinkly surfaces were formed from lengths of rumpled tracing paper, sculpted by the designer and local residents to achieve a textured, rock-like appearance across the angular walls and ceiling.

"It is fun to crumple paper and anybody can do it," said Matsumoto, who invited local residents to twist and scrunch lengths of the translucent tracing paper.

A mottled concrete floor contributed to the subterranean appearance of the space, and was sparsely lit by just a few unshaded bulbs.

The dim lighting created pockets of light and darkness, and accentuated shadows in the crevices of the wrinkled paper.

Nestled in the centre of the space, a thick wooden table provided a serving bar for patrons, surrounded by cross-shaped stools.

The venue was created as an evening meeting space where visitors could share food and drinks, but also to host daytime workshops, including a series of paper aeroplane and origami classes.

The designer hoped residents' involvement in the construction process would lend a greater sense of ownership to the space, and to encourage participation in the gallery's programme.

"This huge space made by paper is like a secret base and turns into a bar at night," said the designer, after the opening. "I hope people get together and make new friends there and enjoy the space."

Photography is by Takeshi Asano and Shizuka Takahashi.

Project credits:

Team: Shizuka Takahashi, Kazuhiro Takahashi, Masahiro Tainaka, Takeshi Asano