ET NUNC Bakery
•by Keiji Ashizawa Design
→ Interiors
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Year: 2024
Type: Bakery, coffee shop
Photos: Tomooki Kengaku
"Et Nunc Daikanyama" located on the first floor of "Forest Gate Daikanyama" in front of Daikanyama Station, is a boulangerie with an eat-in space and a kitchen.
The name "Et Nunc," meaning "and now" in English, embodies the brand's philosophy of savoring the present moment through bread that is crafted with a deep reverence for its essence. The bakery is dedicated to using selected ingredients and handles every process from the preparation to baking in-house.
Given its prime location in a commercial facility with direct street access, the store is thoughtfully designed to evoke the charm of a neighborhood boulangerie. The sales area is prominently positioned and visible from the entrance, showcasing freshly baked bread to passersby. Additionally, generous space in front of the counter has been dedicated to creating a pleasant eat-in environment.
With the functional needs in mind, the layout embraces a fully equipped kitchen nestled at the back. A large window in the dividing wall allows the lively spirit of the kitchen to flow into the sales area, weaving a seamless connection between the two spaces. The eat-in space, where guests can enjoy the freshly baked bread, serves as a vital element of the space for the quality experience that enhances the brand's appeal.
Material used in the interior design draws inspiration from the bread-making process. Hand crafted tiles were used to reflect the care put into hand-kneaded and baked bread. Bierstone, with its mix of different-sized aggregates, symbolizes the transformation of wheat during milling. Oak wood, with its natural grain, evokes essential tools like rolling pins and cutting boards. Each of these materials was carefully selected to mirror the craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into making the bread.
The pendant and wall lights were created in collaboration with Karimoku Furniture, featuring wooden shades that subtly mimic the soft curves of bread. To complement the wood tones, custom pieces from Karimoku Furniture were selected for the high countertops, stools, sofa tabletops, and outdoor chairs.
The meticulous attention to detail was a result of the consideration to not only enhance the aesthetic of the space, but also to embody the ethos and commitment of the "Et Nunc" boulangerie brand, making it a crucial element of the interior design.