Hoth. studio is a minimal photo studio located in Tokyo, Japan.

Located in a six-story building, this photography studio occupies the fifth and sixth floors, catering to a variety of clients, including seasonal apparel brands, e-commerce product shoots, and exhibitions. The space primarily features white walls, wooden walls, and concrete floors, offering a versatile backdrop for diverse photography needs. We faced the challenge of crafting a unique photographic space within these constraints.

To address this, we transformed a concrete staircase on the fifth floor into an irregular stonework sculpture. Surrounded by pristine white walls and a minimalist concrete floor, the staircase not only serves its functional purpose but also stands as an artistic focal point, enhancing the visual appeal of the subjects it showcases. With just one construction method, concrete polishing, it was reborn into a completely different look without adding new materials.

On the sixth floor, the studio’s flat layout resulted in some underutilized space. Instead of relegating it to storage, we incorporated a full-height, 4.4-meter distorted glass panel with a mirrored surface. This innovative addition creates a distinctive visual effect, offering photographers and art directors a chance to experiment with reflections and distortions in their work. The intention behind these design elements is to inspire creativity in those who use the studio.

By integrating unexpected features into the space, we hopes to encourage the production of exceptional photographs that surpass the designer’s original vision.