mint green tiles wrap tiny curved ice cream shop by UENOA architects in tokyo

a curved wall with a slanted top defines the shop’s structure by uenoa architects, integrating it into the existing building.

Yoshinori edited by christina vergopoulou February 28, 2025 3 min

fil cream shop by UENOA architects pops up in building’s entrance

UENOA Architects extends the entrance area of an office building with an 80-year history in Sendagaya to incorporate Fil Cream, a small take-out soft serve ice cream shop. The shop is designed with a fan-shaped floor plan to create a functional separation between the pedestrian flow into the office and the customers using the shop, optimizing the limited space available at the entrance.

A curved wall with a slanted top defines the shop’s structure, integrating it into the existing building while maintaining a distinct presence. The exterior is clad in custom-made green tiles, developed specifically for this project, with a glaze color selected to complement the historic yellow tiles of the original facade. This approach establishes a visual relationship between the new addition and the existing architecture.

mint green tiles wrap tiny curved ice cream shop by UENOA architects in tokyo - 1 — all images by Naomichi Sode

ice cream shop connects building with its urban surroundings

The building is situated on a slope, where the original entrance included a staircase to adjust for the elevation change. The new design by Tokyo-based firm UENOA Architects repurposes these steps into seating areas, creating a more accessible and engaging streetscape. The intervention aims to enhance both the entrance space and its connection to the surrounding urban environment.

mint green tiles wrap tiny curved ice cream shop by UENOA architects in tokyo - 2 — Fil Cream Shop is integrated into an 80-year-old building in Sendagaya

mint green tiles wrap tiny curved ice cream shop by UENOA architects in tokyo - 3 — a fan-shaped floor plan optimizes space at the building’s entrance

fil-cream-shop-uenoa-architects-tokyo-designboom-1800-2 — the shop’s curved wall with a slanted top creates a distinct yet subtle presence

mint green tiles wrap tiny curved ice cream shop by UENOA architects in tokyo - 4 — custom-made green tiles were developed specifically for this project

mint green tiles wrap tiny curved ice cream shop by UENOA architects in tokyo - 5 — the green tile glaze complements the historic yellow tiles of the original facade

mint green tiles wrap tiny curved ice cream shop by UENOA architects in tokyo - 6 — a careful balance between new and old materials defines the shop’s design

mint green tiles wrap tiny curved ice cream shop by UENOA architects in tokyo - 7 — the curved wall softens the shop’s presence while adding character

mint green tiles wrap tiny curved ice cream shop by UENOA architects in tokyo - 8 — the custom tilework establishes a visual dialogue with the historic building

mint green tiles wrap tiny curved ice cream shop by UENOA architects in tokyo - 9 — a small hut-like structure integrated into the existing architecture

fil-cream-shop-uenoa-architects-tokyo-designboom-1800-3 — the shop subtly separates pedestrian flow from office entry

mint green tiles wrap tiny curved ice cream shop by UENOA architects in tokyo - 10 — a compact yet functional take-out ice cream shop within an office building

project info:

name: fil cream

architects: UENOA architects

location: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
area: 4.9 sqm

lead designer: Yoshinori Hasegawa

construction: Matsuda Construction Industries + Shouwakai
photographer: Naomichi Sode
logo design: Shuhei Toyoda / atrium　

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