elongated wooden roof shields JINS hikone eyewear store's steel frame in japan

JINS Hikone Store merges with its natural setting in Shiga

Tadashi Hirai Design Studio’s JINS Hikone Store is envisioned as a community-rooted model of an eyewear retail environment. Situated along the shores of Lake Biwa in Shiga, Japan, the store benefits from a scenic location that emphasizes the natural beauty of the area. The design seeks to evoke the experience of a pavilion in a park, allowing customers to select eyewear while surrounded by the richness of nature.

The structure’s roof extends along the road and towards the lakeside, featuring a large, overhanging veranda designed to enhance the lakeside openness. The design incorporates a synergy with an adjacent café, facilitating joint events through the creation of shared spaces under the eaves. The structure and sashes were matched to the modules of the eyeglass fixtures to increase transparency inside and out. The color scheme was chosen to highlight the products and the surrounding trees.

all images by Daichi Ano

Tadashi Hirai Design Studio highlights connection to nature

The elongated roof features wooden elements, underpinned by a robust steel frame, achieving a balance of structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. The roof and rafters are crafted from wood, harmonizing with the natural setting. From the parking lot, the store presents a clear view toward the greenery of the lakeshore, ensuring that the interior eyeglass displays stand out visually.

The design by Tadashi Hirai Design Studio emphasizes transparency and continuity between the interior and exterior spaces, aligning the steel frame and sash frames with the pitch of the fixture modules. This creates a seamless visual experience, with a consistent color palette across the roof and walls providing a neutral backdrop for the eyewear displays.

JINS Hikone Store merges with its natural setting along the shores of Lake Biwa, Shiga

the store design echoes the concept of a pavilion in a park, offering a serene shopping experience

a large overhanging veranda extends the roof, emphasizing the lakeside connection

the design integrates with an adjacent café, fostering opportunities for collaborative events

the overall architectural approach by Tadashi Hirai Design Studio highlights a connection to nature

wooden roof elements enhance the visual connection to the surrounding environment

the natural wood tones in the roof and rafters complement the surroundings

eyewear displays inside the store are accentuated against the backdrop of the lakeshore view

alignment of steel and sash frames ensures a continuous visual flow throughout the store

the roof and walls feature a uniform color palette, providing a cohesive background for displays

project info:

name: JINS Hikone Store
architect: Tadashi Hirai Design Studio

brand: JINS

location: Hikone, Shiga, Japan

photography: Daichi Ano

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom