moriyuki ochiai designs tokyo beauty salon with entwined metal layers

moriyuki ochiai architects has performed the interior design for the ‘crystalscape’ beauty salon in tokyo, japan. deliverables included a space exuding the radiance associated with beautiful, vibrant and shiny hair brimming with vitality. therefore, the project team has endeavored to create a space that would envelop the body in such radiance by making the entire ceiling into a luminous crystal symbolizing the ideal of resplendent hair.

by increasing the density of the white matrix above the central aisle, we were able to lower the height of the ceiling

japanese based studio moriyuki ochiai architects has designed metallic waves which represent the bright, aerial, gracious way in which hair flows. these are intricately weaved into a white matrix of geometric patterns — a lattice structure featuring a signature color gradation of white and wooden tones — to produce a mystical luminous crystal from which a subdued light scatters as it bounces off the creases in the metal. abundant expressiveness is imparted to the crystal of light by the overlapping of the white lattice and the metal wave, with the former gushing through the space like sparkling whitewater, and the latter producing a current filled with vibrant vitality.

a luminous crystal symbolizing the ideal of resplendent hair

structurally, moriyuki ochiai’s white lattice compound consists of three-dimensional lattice objects inserted between layers of planar grid objects, which are arranged to mutually interact. thereby, further diversifying one’s experience of the space’s depth and expanse. the light reflected off the metal waves and penetrating the white lattice produces intricate and constantly evolving expressions throughout the entire space that enables patrons to experience an ever-changing atmosphere as this layered structure will be perceived differently depending on their relative position and line of sight at any given time.

metallic waves, representing the gracious way in which hair flows, are intricately weaved into a white matrix

furthermore, the architects have created a space in which a minute shifts in natural light can be felt throughout the day and the seasons. the evolving landscape appreciated to the fullest, by playing with the configuration of the white lattice and metal wave compound according to each area and increasing the circumvolutions in the metal waves acting as reflectors inside the hair cutting area where natural light comes in the most. by increasing the density of the white matrix above the central aisle, the design team were able to lower the height of the ceiling and break up the rhythm to create a cozy and inviting space where the body can become immersed in a hushed vibe as it passes under the white crystal covering the ceiling.

haircutting area increasing the circumvolutions in the metal waves acting as reflectors

moreover, variations in the purple and powdery silver color gradation on the walls surrounding the shampooing area confers the sparkle of life to the space. moriyuki ochiai architects has sought to honor the beauty of hair and replicate the spatial experience of penetrating into its mysterious radiance and profound depth through the repeated entwinement of layers of lattice and metal.

a mystical luminous crystal from which a subdued light scatters as it bounces off the creases in the metal

full view of ‘crystalscape’ during daytime

detail of the metallic waves and white matrix located on the ceiling

a space in which a minute shifts in natural light can be felt throughout the day and the seasons

night view of the haircutting area

variations in the purple and powdery silver color gradation on the walls confers the sparkle of life to the space

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: apostolos costarangos | designboom