Our ongoing love affair with Aesop continues with their latest store in Japan. As regular readers will be aware (thanks to past articles on Aesop London, San Francisco and Hong Kong) the Australian skin care brand commissions individual designs for every store, and invited Torafu Architects to design the opening of their second store in Kyoto.
Kawaramachi is a fast-moving commerical area, yet Torafu's design radiates calm, mixing classic inspiration with contemporary savvy. The original structure and materials of the building are complemented with subtle green accents, while squid fishing lamps hang from the high ceiling to bathe the room in a warm glow. Ōya stone dominates the colour palette, complemented by the flexible mortar-style board used for the shelving.To make the most of the narrow, yet deep, proportions, the retail environment was placed at the front of the store, while the rear hosts a hospitality area for customers to relax in. The first floor space extends upstairs to a gallery for further contemplation and meditation.
Aesop Kawaramachi
327 Shioyacho Takoyakushi
Kawaramachi dori
Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
Photos Takumi Ota
torafu.com
Aesop Kawaramachi by Torafu Architects

Unlock more inspiration and insights with FRAME
Get 2 premium articles for free each month
Create a free accountRelated Articles
MORE Spatial
This coffee roastery was built from the grounds up with the help of a biobased material developer

In Norway, a Snøhetta-designed adapted housing pilot explores architecture's role in healing
-Cropped-thumb.jpg)
This Stockholm venue demonstrates how to design a showroom serving hospitality professionals

Is millennial pink making a comeback? Paris Texas draws on design classics in Milan

In a fresh take on the diorama, Formafantasma questions the nature of human-animal relations

Hermès’ business is booming. Its windows are still a key to its success

Fix, reuse, reinvent. These 4 low-impact scenographies put circular design on show

What kind of spaces do educators need for teaching tech? Here's an example
-cover-thumb.jpg)
Elevated ice cream: this gelateria takes cues from high-end perfumeries and jewellery stores
