case-real: minorityrev

‘minorityrev’ by CASE-REAL in fukuoka, japan all images courtesy CASE-REAL photographer: hiroshi mizusaki

‘minorityrev’ by japanese studio CASE-REAL is a high-end clothing boutique located in a residential area outside of downtown fukuoka city. residing in an old zipper factory, the design features a non-invasive green skin to maintain the identity of the original structure while giving it a new, transformative face.

street view

wrapped in a continuous plane of chain links, the exterior of the two-storey factory is kept intact and honest to its origins. climbing ivy grows from a strip of flower beds that run along the north and west side, continuously renewing the shop’s appearance while respecting the native façades.

detail of growing wall

chain-link shell

ivy climbing the exterior

(left) after ivy (right) before ivy

main entrance

the interior is converted in a similar, non-intrusive manner, retaining the majority of its industrial history by highlighting the factory’s details: steel beams of the second level ceiling are left exposed while structural columns lacquered in black regulate the shop space on the ground floor; old assembly conveyor belts and stacks of floor boards serve as display surfaces for the boutique’s products.

main floor display area

(left) entry (right) lounge

ground floor shop area

upper level shop

night view – before ivy

floor plan / level 0 (1) entrance (2) approach / display (3) shop / display (4) shop (5) VIP room (6) fitting room (7) reception (8) staff room (9) toilet (10) beauty salon (11) smoking room (12) stock (13) flowerbed (14) gallery (15) office / stock

floor plan / level +1

project info:

designer: koichi futatsumata client: minorityrev builder: ob use: boutique area: 274 m2 (ground floor), 219 m2 (first floor)