Sustainable Innovation: See How Group's Nature-Driven Workspace Design for Ricoh HK

In an era where innovation and well-being come together, See How Group from Hong Kong has redesigned Ricoh HK's future. They achieved this by combining cutting-edge technology with nature-inspired elements to create a forward-thinking and nurturing coworking environment. This design philosophy's core is integrating advanced intelligent systems and biophilic design to foster productivity, collaboration, and a strong commitment to environmental consciousness.

The design follows the principles of Natural Minimalism, which prioritize simplicity, functionality, and a strong connection to the natural world. This design philosophy creates a peaceful and uncluttered environment that encourages concentration and a sense of calm, fostering a productive and focused work environment. The use of natural materials like wood, stone, and indoor greenery brings the workspace to life, reflecting a harmonious blend of human creativity and nature's calming influence through their textures and colours.

The project emphasizes biophilic design principles, incorporating living green walls and strategically placed indoor plants to create a natural and serene office environment. These elements not only enhance the visual appeal but also have a significant positive impact on the health and well-being of the people in the space, showing our commitment to your comfort and productivity. This aligns with research indicating a strong connection between exposure to nature and improved cognitive function.

To drive innovation, See How Group has integrated smart technology into every aspect of the workspace. Advanced audiovisual systems and integrated digital solutions allow for seamless collaboration, boosting coworking efficiency and keeping users connected across physical and virtual platforms. The office is equipped with ergonomic furniture, carefully chosen to meet the needs of modern workers and offering flexibility in both posture and function. Dynamic workstations enable users to easily transition between individual focus and collaborative creativity, ensuring a seamless and efficient work experience.

Natural Light and Openness: Large windows fill the workspace with ample natural light, casting a warm glow across the clean, minimalist interiors. The open design and panoramic views of surrounding greenery ensure a constant connection to nature, even indoors. These deliberate design choices create an uplifting atmosphere where creativity can flourish, and stress is kept at bay. Communal areas are strategically positioned to encourage interaction and the organic sharing of ideas, fostering a vibrant, collaborative community.

Sustainability at the Core

Sustainability is a crucial focus of See How Group's design for Ricoh HK. The design incorporates energy-efficient lighting systems, low-emission materials, and a comprehensive recycling program. These features are not just add-ons but are essential to the design, demonstrating a dedication to creating a workspace that honours the planet while enhancing the human experience.

A Harmonious Future

The Ricoh HK coworking space represents the future of workplace design, integrating technology and nature to create an innovative and nurturing environment. The space goes beyond just supporting productivity and collaboration—it actively enhances the well-being of its occupants while also prioritizing sustainability. See How the Group's vision for Ricoh HK is more than just about looks; it's a blueprint for the future of work, celebrating functionality, sustainability, and human connection equally.

For more information, please visit: https://www.seehowgroup.com

*This project is one of the shortlisted project in the Sky Design Awards 2024 - Interior design - Commercial & Office Division

Reviving the Spirit: Japan's Sauna Renaissance and the Timeless Tranquility of Hiranoya

Japan's sauna culture is experiencing a remarkable revival, where modern wellness trends blend with long-standing traditions. Saunas are now places for physical and mental rejuvenation and spaces for architectural innovation and cultural preservation. At the center of this transformation is the Hiranoya Ryokan, a 90-year-old inn meticulously renovated by Itoto Architects into a tranquil oasis that respects its rich history while embracing contemporary design principles.

A New Era of Sauna Culture

The current "third sauna boom" spreading across Japan is evidence of the increasing recognition of saunas as more than just places for sweating and relaxation. They have become essential to a holistic approach to well-being, where the ritual of "totonou" - alternating between intense heat, cold water, and fresh air - promotes mental clarity and inner peace. This practice, inspired by Finnish traditions, has deeply resonated with the Japanese, leading to a surge in the popularity of saunas, particularly in urban areas like Tokyo.

The modern sauna experience in Japan often incorporates advanced technology, including infrared saunas and salt therapy, offering contemporary interpretations of traditional practices. These high-tech saunas are created for physical relaxation and therapeutic benefits, such as detoxification, improved circulation, and respiratory health. This modern approach to saunas has made them a popular option among Japan's health-conscious population, establishing them as a cultural phenomenon.

Hiranoya Ryokan: A Sanctuary of Tradition and Innovation

Amidst the modern wave, the Hiranoya Ryokan stands as a beacon of how traditional Japanese architecture and design can harmoniously integrate into the sauna experience. Itoto architects approached the renovation of this historic ryokan with a deep respect for its legacy. They preserved the exterior structure while completely reimagining the interior to create a space that resonates with the natural environment.

The design philosophy behind Hiranoya's sauna spaces is rooted in simplicity and subtlety. The architects aimed to create an environment where the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape could be fully appreciated. To achieve this, they designed sauna rooms that respond dynamically to the changing seasons and weather conditions. The sauna is bathed in soft, natural light on sunny days, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. On cloudy or rainy days, the space takes on a more introspective character, with the sound of rainwater flowing over stones enhancing the meditative ambiance.

The Intersection of Nature, Architecture and interior Design

The Hiranoya project is known for blurring the line between the natural and the man-made. Over the years, nature has gradually overtaken parts of the ryokan, with moss covering the retaining walls and vegetation intertwining with the built environment. Instead of removing these signs of age, the architects embraced them, allowing the building to coexist with its natural surroundings organically and intentionally.

The interaction between nature and architecture is also seen in the design of the outdoor spaces. Understanding that a sauna experience is complete with a place to cool down and reflect, the architects created tranquil outdoor areas where guests can relax and meditate while appreciating the beauty of the landscape. These spaces are carefully designed to encourage introspection, with seating arrangements that invite guests to gaze out over the moss-covered walls and the natural scenery beyond.

Embracing the Beauty of Aging

The Hiranoya renovation is notable for its unique approach to aging. Rather than seeing the wear and tear of time as a negative, the ryokan embraces it, finding beauty and significance in the process. The moss-covered walls and weathered appearance add a sense of history and depth to the sauna experience, prompting guests to contemplate the passage of time and the cycle of growth and decay.

This mindset aligns with the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi, which appreciates imperfection and impermanence. By incorporating these elements into the design, Itoto architects have crafted a space that offers physical relaxation and encourages guests to ponder life's deeper meanings.

A Harmonious Blend of Past and Present

Hiranoya Ryokan is an excellent example of how traditional Japanese architecture and design can seamlessly integrate into the modern wellness movement. As Japan's sauna culture continues to evolve, spaces like Hiranoya offer a glimpse into how the past and present can coexist in a way that enriches both. Through thoughtful design that honours history while embracing contemporary needs, Hiranoya provides a sanctuary where guests can reconnect with nature, find clarity of mind, and experience the timeless tranquillity that has made saunas an enduring part of Japanese culture.

In this new era, the sauna is more than just a place to unwind; it is a space where architecture, nature, and the human spirit come together ideally. The revival of Japan's sauna culture, exemplified by projects like Hiranoya, is a testament to the enduring appeal of spaces that nourish body and soul.

For more information, please visit: https://www.itotoarchitects.com/
*This project is one of the shortlisted project in the Sky Design Awards 2024 - Interior design - Leisure and Wellness Division

Kamakura Country Club: A Reimagined Icon of Modern Elegance and Timeless Tradition

The recent renovation of the Kamakura Country Club, a project that successfully balances preserving historical significance and embracing modern aesthetics, is a unique architectural feat. Led by the innovative firm CONTEMPORARY MARKET, this transformation marks the club's 55th anniversary. It has evolved from a mere golfing destination to a complete lifestyle retreat, offering an unparalleled blend of history, culture, and luxury. This evolution is a testament to the club's adaptability and, more importantly, its unwavering commitment to providing its members a unique and special experience.

The redesign is based on a concept that reflects the aspirations of the club's founder - a "castle tower" representing strength and ambition. This vision is evident in the meticulous use of stone, traditionally associated with resilience and endurance. The stone wall, a recurring motif throughout the renovation, is a visual and symbolic link between the past and present. It forms the core of the design, creating a seamless connection between the indoor spaces and the natural surroundings. This continuity honours the club's rich history and firmly grounds it in the present, laying the foundation for its future. The meticulous design elements, from the stone walls to the indoor spaces, are a testament to the club's dedication to preserving its heritage while embracing modernity.

Entering the new club lounge, one is immediately struck by its grandeur. The stone walls, meticulously crafted to mimic the rough-hewn blocks of a castle's fortifications, imbue the area with a sense of permanence and gravitas. Yet, the design is far from archaic.

The CONTEMPORARY MARKET incorporates minimalist and futuristic elements, like the impressive chandelier in the atrium, to contrast with its historical references. This striking difference is most apparent in the encounter between ancient and modern elements: a large zelkova tree stump, a relic of nature and a symbol of enduring history, is placed in conversation with the contemporary lighting above. The process of incorporating the tree stump into the design was meticulous, involving careful consideration of its placement and the lighting that would best complement its natural beauty. This combination of materials and shapes creates a story that is visually compelling and deeply meaningful, highlighting a dialogue between the past and the future in the vast, open space of the lounge.

The renovation goes beyond just looks; it also meets the changing needs of the club's members. As more people look for a work-life balance, the design includes a study room for remote work and quiet reading. With its simple elegance and thoughtful details, this room offers a peaceful space where work and leisure seamlessly blend into a comfortable and productive experience. Additionally, a state-of-the-art fitness room has been added to the club, enhancing its appeal and providing a space for physical rejuvenation alongside the mental relaxation offered elsewhere.

The meticulous renovation of the Kamakura Country Club, a project by CONTEMPORARY MARKET, is a testament to the site's heritage and patrons' preferences. It honours the past and embraces modern design, perfectly balancing historical significance and modern aesthetics. The stone walls, symbolic objects, and minimalist interventions are not just decorative; they are essential elements of a design language that connects different periods, blending the timeless with the contemporary.

The renovation of the Kamakura Country Club was completed in January 2023, marking a new chapter in the club's history. The renovation is a testament to the enduring power of thoughtful design, where tradition and modernity are woven together to create a space that is as relevant today as it was when the club was conceived. The Kamakura Country Club is not just a place to play golf but a sanctuary where history and modernity coexist perfectly harmoniously for those who appreciate the art of design.

For more information, please visit: https://plow.tokyo/hijung-kasuya/

*This project is one of the shortlisted project in the Sky Design Awards 2024 - Interior design - Hotel & Resorts Division

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Designer Profile

Hijung Kasuya

Hijung Kasuya

Born in Tokyo. Graduated from Musashino Art College, Department of Life Design.

After working as a coordinator for an Italian furniture brand, became an interior stylist.

In 1985, she established her own private design firm, Contemporary Market.

Currently active in interior design, coordination, product design, and other genres.

HANG XIA's Harmonious Design Language: Balancing Tradition and Modernity

The latest retail space from SHANG XIA, designed by SAY Architects, epitomizes a distinctive and culturally rich lifestyle through innovative contemporary design. The store is designed as a two-tiered space that combines openness and concealment, simplicity and complexity, restraint and expression. This duality is reflected in a 'symmetrical' space, a design concept where the central axis provides controlled structure while allowing for a sense of freedom. This design choice hints at the space's inherent contradictions and balance, creating a unique and harmonious environment.

The two floors are connected by large bamboo weavings that enclose the central axis, joining the store's two levels. The ground floor has an understated elegance inspired by Eastern literati aesthetics. The tea area provides a peaceful retreat, while the gift section features carefully selected items showcasing refined craftsmanship. With its gentle and unassuming presence, the apparel zone reflects the brand's unwavering dedication to subtlety, creating an atmosphere of refined elegance. Every element, from bamboo and jade to silks and satins, incorporates an Oriental sensibility intricately woven into the fabric of the space.

As you ascend the escalator, you'll notice the beautiful double-layered bamboo enclosure that creates a sense of movement and calmness. This represents SHANG XIA's unwavering commitment to achieving balance, combining contrasting elements into a harmonious whole. On the second floor, which serves as a furniture showroom, Xuan paper is used extensively as decoration to emphasize a minimalist approach, allowing the products' beauty and texture to stand out.

The modern space seamlessly integrates traditional craftsmanship, often considered a cultural heritage, through innovative techniques. The artisanal methods employed in the design use raw materials that significantly reduce environmental impact, showcasing SHANG XIA's unwavering dedication to sustainability. The brand's vision extends beyond material sustainability, aspiring to amplify the sustainability of traditional culture itself. SHANG XIA offers a contemporary reinterpretation of heritage crafts within modern contexts, ensuring the preservation and evolution of intangible cultural heritage. This contributes to a significant cultural export of Chinese traditions.

In this dialogue between the past and present, SHANG XIA seeks to express a romantic balance — where tradition meets innovation in a minimalist and refined simplicity. It embodies timeless elegance transcending eras.

HANG XIA Shenzhen Bay Rail In Boutique

Client: SHANG XIA

Status: Completed

Year: 2023

Area: 550 sqm

Address: Rui Yin, Shenzhen Bay

Project Type: Commercial Space

Design Company: say architects

Lead Designers: Zhang Yan, Shan Jianan

Team: Fan Yawen (Project Manager), He Siyun, Ye Jin, Deng Qing, Zhang Yixuan

Construction Drawings: Jin Tiejun, Hang Sheng

Photography: Wen Studio

Construction Team: Shanghai Lizhou Space Design Engineering Co., Ltd.

Lighting:YAANK lighting design、Hangzhou Light Track Lighting Design Co., Ltd.

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For more information, please visit: www.sayarchitects.cn

*This project is one of the shortlisted project in the Sky Design Awards 2024 - Interior design - Retail Design Division

Bridging Heritage and Modernity: The KLÜBB Lounge South Transforms Yokohama’s Industrial Legacy

In a city that is constantly reinventing itself, the ESR Yokohama Sachiura DC2 KLÜBB Lounge South, a creation of TAKATO TAMAGAMI ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN, LTD, stands as a testament to the innovative approach to industrial architecture. This project, commissioned by ESR Corporation, a major player in logistics and real estate, is part of a larger four-phase development aimed at revitalizing a massive 330,000-square-meter site that was once home to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The unique features of this project, such as the integration of industrial heritage with contemporary leisure and communal enjoyment, are sure to intrigue and fascinate architectural enthusiasts and potential clients alike.

This ambitious development is centred around a solid commitment to "Human Centric Design," a philosophy that aims to improve the well-being of people interacting with these spaces. ESR Corporation's vision goes beyond just functionality; it sees logistics hubs as community-focused environments where comfort, connectivity, and a sense of place come together. This philosophy, which prioritizes the well-being of individuals and the creation of community-focused environments, is brought to life in the KLÜBB Lounge South, a shared space designed not only for resting but as an immersive experience that connects the industrial past with contemporary leisure.

One of the most striking features of the KLÜBB Lounge South is its thoughtful integration with the site's history. Standing as a sentinel of Yokohama's industrial heritage, an old gantry crane—a relic of the Mitsubishi era—has been preserved and repurposed as a central symbol of the facility.

The lounge offers sweeping views of Tokyo Bay and the towering crane, offering a unique dialogue between the old and the new. This connection, which is visual and spatial, with the design seamlessly weaving the outdoor and indoor experiences together, is sure to inspire architectural enthusiasts and potential clients with its innovative approach to design.

The architecture's ingenuity lies in its play with form and function, mainly through conical volumes punctuating the third and fourth floors. These conical structures, known as 'follies' in architectural parlance, are more than mere design flourishes. They serve as structural and social nodes within the lounge, hollowed out to accommodate intimate seating, inviting interaction and contemplation.

The follies' strategic placement encourages movement through the space, guiding visitors to explore different vantage points and engage with the landscape beyond.

The terraces extending from the lounge are directly aligned with the gantry crane, creating a dramatic three-story atrium that is as much a spectacle as a social space. Here, architecture meets performance, with plans to illuminate the crane using lights and projection mapping, transforming it into a beacon of industrial art. The terraces also feature a staircase that seems to defy gravity, jutting out towards the crane and offering a thrilling experience of walking in mid-air—an architectural metaphor for bridging the past with the future.

Ascending the staircase leads visitors to the Sky Deck, a crowning feature of the KLÜBB Lounge South. This rooftop sanctuary is not just an observation deck but a place designed for communal enjoyment, complete with built-in barbecue equipment and panoramic views that include the majestic silhouette of Mount Fuji. The Sky Deck, with its comfortable seating and unobstructed views, serves as a gathering point where the beauty of Japan's natural landscape can be savoured in harmony with the site's industrial roots.

The ESR Yokohama Sachiura DC2 KLÜBB Lounge South is an excellent example of modern industrial design. It goes beyond being just a logistics hub and becomes a place where history, community, and modernity come together. TAKATO TAMAGAMI ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN, LTD has created a landmark that serves its purpose and enriches the broader landscape of Yokohama. Through thoughtful design and human-centric spaces, it connects to the past and a vision for the future.

For more information, please visit: https://takatotamagami.net/

*This project is one of the shortlisted project in the Sky Design Awards 2024 - Interior design - Commercial & Office Division

House with Japanese Kura: A Harmonious Fusion of Tradition and Contemporary Elegance

Architecture and Interior Design by RON DESIGN Articious Co., Ltd.
FF&E by Hiromi Hiroshima

Surrounded by tranquil Japanese gardens, this luxurious residence combines traditional Japanese craftsmanship and modern design. At the center of the property is a historic Kura, a traditional treasure house steeped in history and symbolism, serving as a testament to the family's heritage. The owners, whose family has been in the international shipping business for generations, have carefully preserved this ancestral legacy.

In the garden, there is a grand pine tree shaped like a majestic bonsai. Its ancient branches spread like a guardian spirit over the garden, the mountains, and the family it overlooks. The architects and designers at RON DESIGN Articious Co., Ltd. aimed to capture this mystical atmosphere by creating a design that allows the family to experience their surroundings' tranquillity and spiritual calm fully.

The client, deeply rooted in traditional Japanese culture while embracing modern living envisioned a home that could harmoniously blend these two worlds. The result is an awe-inspiring space where a double-height living area, kitchen, and dining room converge. A disappearing wall of glazed doors connects the interior to the lush garden and the historic Kura, bringing nature into the living space.

The living area features a striking sculpted plaster wall extending the room's total height. Created by a prominent Japanese artisan, the masterpiece captures the essence of the nearby mountains, the ocean breeze, and the historic sailing ships integral to the family's shipping business. The wall's design is a modern abstraction but is executed using traditional Japanese plastering techniques, paying homage to the enduring skills of the country's artisans.

Maintaining a balance between modern luxury and traditional essence, the hotel has a small tatami room designed for intimate tea ceremonies with clients and friends. The room showcases sliding washi paper panels that can be fully opened and discreetly tucked away within the walls to expand the open-plan living area or closed off to create a private sanctuary.

The residence's first-floor private quarters encompass five bedrooms, a spacious family bathroom, and a sizable walk-in closet that serves the entire family, eliminating the need for additional storage in each bedroom.

The 'man-cave' is a unique and highly personalized aspect of the design - a rare feature in Japan. RON DESIGN Articious Co., Ltd. envisioned this space as a hidden retreat within the house, where the client can entertain friends and business associates in a masculine yet elegant, friendly, and contemporary environment. This large L-shaped room, accessible via a private staircase, enjoys the full height of the sloping ceiling, providing a sense of seclusion and sophistication.

The house's exterior reflects its core design philosophy: the fusion of contemporary Western architecture with traditional Japanese craftsmanship. The ground floor, constructed in reinforced concrete, meets Japan's strict building and earthquake standards while embodying a modern architectural aesthetic. In contrast, the first floor is a timber structure made from locally sourced cedar and cross-laminated timber panels, symbolizing the enduring legacy of Japanese woodcraft. The exterior walls, clad in panels made of reconstituted materials, show a commitment to sustainability and innovation.

The house is designed with near-zero emissions in mind, using solar power and storage batteries for energy efficiency. Shoji screens on the south and west sides help diffuse the intense summer sun, reducing heat gain while maintaining a balance of light and shade within the home. The design ethos goes beyond aesthetics; it's a dedication to local production, material sourcing, and the employment of skilled craftspeople from the community.

This residence represents a perfect blend of history, culture, and modernity, where the old and family harmoniously converge, representing the family's legacy.

For more information, please visit: https://ron-design.jp/

*This project is one of the shortlisted project in the Sky Design Awards 2024 - Interior design - Residential Division

Designer Profile