kengo kuma tops aichi confectionery store with vast opaque canopy

kengo kuma tops aichi confectionery store with vast opaque canopy
image © masao nishikawa
all images courtesy of kengo kuma and associates

japanese architect kengo kuma has completed the construction of a confectionary store in aichi, topped with a giant opaque pyramidal volume. owing to the roof’s low eaves only the ground floor is naturally lit, with upper levels hidden behind the vast black façade. consequently, the umbrella-shaped canopy appears to float above the ground plane, positioned between two other business in a commercial area of the city. internally, a lounge area contains a comfortable and secluded seating for the shop’s visitors, while a tatami area is found at the uppermost level of the plan.

the entrance to the confectionery store 
image © masao nishikawa

owing to the roof’s low eaves only the lower storey is naturally lit
image © masao nishikawa

the counter and display at ground floor level
image © masao nishikawa

stairway leading to the building’s upper levels
image © masao nishikawa

a lounge area contains a comfortable and secluded seating for the shop’s visitors

a tatami area is positioned at the uppermost level of the plan

image © masao nishikawa

the confectionery store subtly illuminated at dusk
image © masao nishikawa