We designed a new store for The Conran Shop in the Hillside Terrace developed by Fumihiko Maki, located in the street of Daikanyama, one of the most matured areas in Tokyo. While maintaining the brand’s long-standing identity, it is the first of the stores that focuses on Asian and Japanese products. Along with these selections, the store also features a tea bar and gallery space.

In the two unique spaces inside Hillside Terrace, they are designed to suit their respective conditions and practicality of the space. The large atrium on the ground floor level is filled with natural light, connected to the greenery of the courtyard. We intended for the guests to be able to have an experience of discovering the space and products while walking around. Further down the stairs is the basement space with a calm and solemn atmosphere.

Although the store space functions as a boutique that also sells general goods and apparel, it is designed to create a joyful sense of visiting someone’s home, where visitors are able to walk around the store in a loop. To make good use of the existing loft space, carefully selected craft and artist works, including furniture, are being displayed. The staircase thus was made with a more elaborate structure, with black paper cords used as part of the handrail.

The Conran Shop Daikanyama has an adjoined tea bar "Choukeikyo", directed by Shinya Sakurai of Sakurai Japanese Tea Experience.The entrance is graced with a stepping stone made of Satsuma stone from Kagoshima in Japan, along with a counter top made from a mix of crushed stone. The shelves are crafted from mill scale iron, contributing to the calm and serene space. We specifically chose materials that would be compatible with the furniture and products from Japan and Asia, envisioning a space in which expressive materials and crafts would harmonize with each other.

We have thoroughly considered the relationship between Hillside Terrace and the street, such as how the store looks from the outside and how the signage should be displayed. As we value the importance of considering the surrounding as a whole when working on a store, we have worked with the client to create a better environment.