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Record Interiors

Jin’s Global Standard Kobe-Kita

A whimsical eyeglass shop embodies a residential vibe.

By Rebecca Ward
Jin's Global Standard Kobe Kita

Photo © Takumi Ota

Jin's Global Standard Kobe Kita

Photo © Takumi Ota

Jin's Global Standard Kobe Kita

Photo © Takumi Ota

Jin's Global Standard Kobe Kita

Image courtesy Ryuji Nakamura Architects Co., Ltd

Jin's Global Standard Kobe Kita
Jin's Global Standard Kobe Kita
Jin's Global Standard Kobe Kita
Jin's Global Standard Kobe Kita
September 1, 2008

Architects & Firms

Ryuji Nakamura Architects

Kobe-shi, Hyogo, Japan

People/Products

Jin’s Global Standard 1,830-square-foot eyeglass shop is situated within a suburban shopping center in Kobe. The design embodies the residential development of the surrounding area; once-vacant lots are now filling with concrete foundations. The concrete partitions that are formed in the early process of construction were the inspiration in creating a shop that invites the visitor to meander through the compartmentalized space.

Concrete slabs rise from the foundation and subdivide the shop’s interior; the ledges provide space for assorted eyeglass displays. The shop is encased in white emulsion-painted walls that are randomly decorated with over 1,000 pieces of walnut wood slabs thinly sliced into 20 different patterns.

Lauan plywood display shelves line the whimsical walls. Tables and furniture sculpted from plywood are arranged throughout the space to serve as display surfaces and are also for sale.

The playful walls are mimicked in the lighting design with bare bulbs that dangle from the ceiling.


People

Owner:
JIN CO.,LTD.

Architect:
Ryuji Nakamura Architects Co., Ltd.
1-14-15-516 Aobadai, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 153-0042, Japan
phone +81-(0)3-3770-5561
fax +81-(0)3-3770-5561
www.ryujinakamura.com

Personnel in architect's firm who should receive special credit:
Principal Architect: Ryuji Nakamura

Architect in charge: Ryuji Nakamura

General contractor:
MIK Planning,Inc.

Photographer(s):
Takumi Ota
ota@phota.jp
+81-(0)3-3350-6120

CAD system, project management, or other software used:
Vector Works

 

Products

Structural system:

Interior finishes:
Paints and stains: wall, ceiling: emulsion paint, floor: Wax paint

Wallcoverings: Sliced walnut sheet, waist-high wall: exposed concrete

Special surfacing: top of waist-high wall: enamel paint, B.D. CLASSIC ENTERPRISES,INC.

Furnishings:
Custom-designed furniture for display: Plywood

Special surfacing: Top board: enamel paint, B.D. CLASSIC ENTERPRISES,INC.

Lighting:
Interior ambient lighting: custom-designed, 110V halogen, 35W, ITL Co.,Ltd.

Furniture lighting: custom-designed, 110V halogen, 35W, ITL Co.,Ltd.

 

 
KEYWORDS: Japan

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