diagonal glass façade slices a laboratory-like sweet shop in maebashi, japan

in 2018, fumiko takahama architects completed the design of a flexible rental space in maebashi, japan. the simple gable-roof volume, dubbed ‘the maebashi shed’, is now home to a science-inspired retail interior for japanese confectionery brand, nakamata. 

activity inside the building is observable through the diagonal glass façade

image by hideaki hamada

the maebashi shed is nestled between a vast shopping mall and a traditional farming neighborhood. the structure was conceived by fumiko takahama architects to accommodate a variety of uses, acting as a hub to bring vitality to the local community. the simple, gable-roof volume is shaped to fit effortlessly into its suburban surroundings. the volume is sliced diagonally while the eaves are kept intact, and a glass façade is placed along the cutting plane. the eaves provide shade for the glass, minimizing reflection and allowing the activity inside of the building to be readily observed by passersby.

the manufacturing space and seating area can be seen from across the street

image by hideaki hamada

a skylight running along the roof of the shed floods the interior with natural light, which can then flow outward through the front of the building. this flow of light runs parallel to the flow of activity that the structure is intended to create — spilling out onto the street and inviting the local community to join in. the nakamata confectionery store interior was designed to take full advantage of the shed’s qualities and conceptually engage with nakamata’s brand identity.

the confectionery kitchen is enclosed by glass, inviting visitors to peer into the ‘lab’

image by hideaki hamada

the nakamata brand creates confections that experiment with mixing elements of old and new, familiar and foreign, traditional and innovative. using the maebashi shed as a canvas, fumiko takahama architects proposed an interior that brings the nakamata brand concept to life. the project team aimed for a modest but provocative design that elegantly marries contrasting themes, materials, and colors.

a curious customer takes a look inside the laboratory

image by hideaki hamada

the glazed kitchen evokes a laboratory, where customers can watch the confectionery process as if it were a scientific experiment. this futuristic feeling is offset by design elements drawn from the traditional japanese chaya, or teahouse: an understated seating area and textiles that undulate in the breeze, both dyed in nakamata’s signature bright turquoise. the energetic color punctuates the modest white wall, which is painted with a subtle gradient finish that invokes the delicate play of light and shadow that is characteristic of traditional japanese design. the juxtapositions showcased in the interior create visual interest and build a space that is at once stimulating and comfortable, elegant and playful.

the enclosed kitchen space is inspired by scientific laboratories

image by hideaki hamada

to take advantage of the maebashi shed’s diagonal glass façade, the architects were deliberate in not only designing the interior space but also the street-facing surface of the building. the shop is divided into three zones: the kitchen, where the sweets are made; the cashier counter, where they are sold; and the seating area, where they can be enjoyed for a quiet tea break. the three zones are displayed across the façade and can be read as a customer approaches the store, or by somebody just passing by. the team aimed for an interior that, together with the design of the structure itself, engages the community by telling a story. the intention was to create a story that everyone is invited to participate in and contribute to.

the cashier area seen from the seating space

image by hideaki hamada

skylights ensure ample sunlight and create a sense of openness

image by hideaki hamada

a subtle grey gradient at the bottom of the white walls evokes the play of light and shadow in traditional japanese design

image by hideaki hamada

the maebashi shed exterior without a tenant

image by takumi ota

the maebashi shed interior without a tenant

image by takumi ota

floor plan

section

project info:

name: nakamata laboratory store

location: maebashi, japan

architect: fumiko takahama architects

design team: fumiko takahama, kenji monden, ryohei iso

structure: yasutaka konishi

year: 2020

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lynne myers | designboom