makoto yamaguchi uses textures and traditional craft inside japanese restaurant interior

makoto yamaguchi uses textures and traditional craft inside japanese restaurant interior

‘hakuusou’ is a interior renovation project by tokyo-based firm makoto yamaguchi design inc. situated in an abundant mountainous area outside tokyo and surrounded by growth and greenery, the building was previously a ‘ryokan’ (a traditional japanese inn). drawing reference to the landscape of forest and rivers, as well as traditional japanese craft, the restaurant combines texture, natural materials, patterns to create a fusion of layers and subtle detailing.

the surrounding landscape of forest and river were key to the design
all images © koichi torimura

makoto yamaguchi design inc.’s response resulted in the removal of most of the internal walls. boundaries were reestablished as ‘zones’ and characterized by the contrasting materials and craft. ‘we decided on using the famous japanese asanoha pattern as a recurring motif throughout the different spaces. as a geometric representation of overlapping hemp leaves, we felt this nature inspired pattern would sit comfortably in front of the beautiful surrounding landscape.’ comments the designers.

boundaries are reestablished as ‘zones’ and characterized by the contrasting materials and craft

interior detailing including translucent hanging curtains gently divide the large restaurant space. dark brown stone tiles make a contrast to the rough cut stone of the entrance area, and emphasize the different atmosphere of the spaces. minimal down lighting illuminates just the restaurant tables, but keeps the focus of the space on the distinctive kumiko panel, and the views to the forest and river outside. custom designed furniture and joinery are made from rich walnut; the dark wood was chosen to compliment the dimly lit atmosphere of the spaces.

‘we reintroduced this asanoha pattern as a marker to the entrance of the restaurant. this time we utilized the technique of kumiko-zaiku, where thin and delicate pieces of wood are assembled into a large wood screen, without the use of nails. we used a long thin strip of kumiko panel, set into a wall of dark walnut paneling, and lit from behind.’

japanese asanoha pattern is a recurring motif throughout the different space

the brief called for a complete renovation of the ryokan’s first floor spaces

minimal down lighting illuminates just the restaurant tables

 a full height kumiko panel sits behind a glass wall, acting as a space divider between the waiting and the dining space

rich textured natural materials combined with traditional japanese crafts and patterning

asanoha pattern as a marker to the entrance of the restaurant

a rugged and rough-cut stone covers the floor, right-side wall, and a built reception counter

dark brown stone tiles make a contrast to the rough cut stone of the entrance area

this ryokan (traditional japanese inn) was converted in the mountainous holiday retreat area of yugawara

project info:

project name: hakuunsou
project type: hotel interior renovation design
location: yugawara, kanagawa prefecture, japan    
design team: makoto yamaguchi, peter hamori, ayumi mitoma, scott beer
site area: 356.80 sqm
completion: 2015

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