takato tamagami creates customized dental lab in tokyo

takato tamagami creates customized dental lab in tokyo
image © masaya yoshimura
all images courtesy of takato tamagami

specializing in customized services, ‘ippin dental laboratory’ is the first of its kind in tokyo. located in the fashionable district of omoteando, the building was originally intended for retail shops finished with a glass curtain wall. the single story retrofit by takato tamagami architectural design provides privacy for the confidential work being executed and moderates the intense natural daylighting through the glass curtain wall facade that was originally intended for commercial use. this is achieved through architectural partitions–individual work stations where delicate handiwork is performed–positioned along the perimeter of the lab that bend at the top to diffuse daylight and block views from the adjacent building. the interior layout provides both behind-the-scenes areas and places for the dentist to engage directly with clients making room for programs that require more space. to stay within budget, many options for the construction were tested. in the end the japanese firm chose to work with a manufacturer of hand-made artworks. the sculptural form of the walls parallels the intricate productions of the technicians, and outwardly expresses the expertise and precision of their work completed within.

individual work stations are pushed toward the exterior to make room for program requiring more space and privacy
image © masaya yoshimura

curving partitions moderate light and views into the laboratory
image © masaya yoshimura

the curving walls are all hand crafted by an artist
image © masaya yoshimura

the sculptural quality of the architecture reflects the intricate works performed within the lab
image © masaya yoshimura

located in the fashionable district of omoteando, the building was originally intended for retail shops
image © masaya yoshimura

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project name:  ippin dental laboratory, inc.
address:  portofino 2nd floor a-21, 3-15-5 minato-ku kitaaoyama tokyo, japan
design company / architect:  takato tamagami architectural design / takato tamagami
construction:  bee’s nest limited
photographer:  masaya yoshimura
scope of work:  interior construction
client:  ippin dental laboratory, inc.
principal use: dental technician’s office
total floor area:  60.0m2
finish material
interior floor:  polyvinyl-chloride roll flooring
interior wall:  acrylic emulsion paint finish  
interior ceiling:  acrylic emulsion paint finish
construction period:  2013.3.4～2013. 5.7