CASE-REAL frames aesop's products with silver local roof tiles at new retail store in japan

Aesop Kobe BAL by CASE-REAL 

Following the design of Aesop Shinjuku in Tokyo, CASE-REAL unveils a new retail space commissioned by the skincare brand in the city of Kobe, Japan. The new Aesop store, Aesop Kobe BAL, occupies 125 square meters (1,345 square feet), and emerges as a reflection of the city’s historical roots and contemporary design. Kobe is a city that has been shaped by the influence of various foreign cultures, particularly during the Meiji Restoration when trade with foreign settlements flourished after the port’s opening. This history is still evident in the city, with Western-style buildings from the late 18th and early 19th centuries that showcase a fusion of Japanese and Western architectural elements.

all images courtesy of Aesop

Aesop merges tradition with contemporary elements

Aesop Kobe BAL seeks to capture this harmony that links Kobe’s history to its vibrant present. The primary material used for the interior is Awaji roof tiles made from the clay of Awaji Island, located to the northwest of the project site. These tiles, with a history spanning over 400 years, are known for their unique quality derived from the island’s clay. They can be molded into various shapes and, depending on the firing temperature, develop a distinct appearance called ‘ibushigin,’ characterized by a mix of black and silver colors.

In the design of Aesop Kobe BAL, CASE-REAL opted for Awaji tiles as skirting boards, wall end parts, and a gate-shaped frame around Aesop’s products. This innovative use of traditional Japanese materials within a Western architectural context pays homage to Kobe’s diverse history and complements the aesthetics of Aesop’s global stores.

the architects designed the space as a reflection of its context

a gate-shaped structure crafted from local roof tiles encircles Aesop’s skincare products

upon entering the space, visitors are welcomed by a humble color palette that infuses a sense of harmony and serenity into the environment

soft lighting illuminates the products creating an ethereal atmosphere

project info: 

client: Aesop | @aesopskincare

design: CASE-REAL led by designers Koichi Futatsumata, Yasushi Arikawa
construction: D.BRAIN CO.,LTD.
lighting plan: BRANCH LIGHTING DESIGN led by Tatsuki Nakamura
construction period: Aug 2022 – Mar 2023
floor area: 124.75 sqm
location: Hyogo, Japan
photography: courtesy of Aesop