nendo stacks box-like units to create overlapping commercial complex in tokyo

nendo, the japanese design studio led by oki sato, has completed an architectural project in tokyo’s daikanyama neighborhood. the commercial complex has been designed for ‘onward’ — a clothing company known for supporting the fields of culture and sport in japan. ‘the services available in the complex and its thoughtful design are aimed to present and convey the company’s unique and wide fields of activity,’ explains the design team.

the complex has been constructed from a combination of box-like units
image © daici ano | video courtesy of nendo

rather than one big building, the complex — named ‘kashiyama daikanyama’ — has been constructed from a combination of box-like units, stacked one on top of the other and overlapped horizontally. this not only ensures that the scale of the project better fits its context, but also means that natural light can more easily enter. a café on the basement floor connects to the ground level where a gallery and lounge area can be used for events and exhibitions.

the volumes have been stacked one on top of the other and overlapped horizontally
image © takumi ota

the second and third floors are dedicated to onward’s fashion and interior accessories, while a restaurant on the fourth floor can seat up to 65 guests and leads to a bar located on the uppermost storey. nendo’s design sees the rooftop of each box-like structure serving as a terrace for the floor above it. meanwhile, exterior staircases stretched between the outdoor areas provide visitors with additional access to different floors.

roofs become connected outdoor terraces
image © takumi ota

according to the design team, the interiors seek to emphasize the structure’s external characteristics and the overall concept of the project. this was done through the mix of materials and the subtle transitions between different parts of the scheme. the ground floor is covered with herringbone terrazzo flooring, while the second storey features a fabric-textured cement. the marble on the third floor is printed with stone texture, and glass is conversely printed with marble patterns. the flooring on the fourth and fifth levels is made from a combination of stone and wood, designed in a repetitive pattern that is also used for the stone tiles covering the walls.

a café is found on the ground floor
image © takumi ota

‘to create an even and balanced architectural experience, where the transitions between the exterior and the interior feel natural and cohesive, the use of materials was considered for both the outside and inside as one,’ explains the design team. ‘it was also important to maintain similar proportions between the objects and furniture around the two areas, for example, the exterior handrail detail was incorporated in the design of interior furniture and lighting elements.’

a gallery and lounge area can be used for events and exhibitions
image © takumi ota

an events space is found on the first floor
image © takumi ota

the second and third storeys are dedicated to fashion and interior accessories
image © daici ano

many of nendo’s designs are found throughout the scheme
image © daici ano

natural light ensures that each area of the plan is brightly illuminated
image © daici ano

a restaurant on the fourth floor can seat up to 65 guests
image © daici ano

a bar is located on the uppermost storey
image © takumi ota

outdoor seating overlooks the city below
image © daici ano

the building is located in tokyo’s daikanyama neighborhood
image © daici ano

project info:

name: kashiyama daikanyama
design: nendo
client: onward holdings
collaborators: onndo (interior) / hand (graphic) / rcd, syk (furniture) / izumi okayasu (lighting) / kayoko nagahama (plantation)
photography: daici ano, takumi ota
filming and editing: toru shiomi