We were approached to design the interior of a small art gallery located in a small side street tucked just behind the Mitsukoshi Department store in Nihonbashi.
With a floor space of only 16.5 square meters, we considered materials in planning that would reflect the sensibility of the owner as well as the pieces on display, but we were also keenly aware to design a space with no incongruity between the materials and the size of the space itself.
We arranged a pattern of walnut panels of three different sizes (450mm x 450mm, 450mm x 900mm, 900 x 900mm) on the walls, and placed fine stone tiles on the floor that would harmonize with the natural flavor of the walnut.
Additionally we used carved wooden door handles and combined them with window frames in classical tones to lend a material richness to the interior.
We hope that guests who visit this gallery drawn in by its size find themselves enveloped in an atmosphere of refined intimacy.
(note: a Tsubo is a Japanese unit of floor measurement reflecting the size of one traditional tatami mat)