monolithic mirror rotates to transform fathom’s siki hair salon in japan little by little each day

FATHOM INSERTS ROTATING MIRROR IN JAPANESE HAIR SALON

in japan‘s hiroshima city, fathom has completed ‘siki’, a minimal hair salon defined by a large, monolithic mirror. 

set on a single, floor-to-ceiling axis made of stainless steel round pipes, the double-sided mirror rotates to transform the space little by little each day of the year. ‘I wanted it to be a space where people can enjoy their daily life, which is a series of days, by making a small change little by little each day,’ notes hiroyuki nakamoto, the japanese studio‘s lead architect. complemented by ronan & erwan bouroullec‘s rope chair for artek (see more about it here), the mirror serves as the central spatial element within of the project.

all images by tatsuya tabii

AN EXPOSED CONCRETE INTERIOR

in order to emphasize the presence of the monolithic mirror in the center of ‘siki’, fathom has exposed the concrete skeleton of the building frame and designed all accompanying elements to match it. with mirrors on both sides, the rotating volume softly divides the space: one side of the wall is used as a zone for cutting hair, while the other one, at the back, features the shampoo booths and the toilet. by rotating the wall according to one’s wish, the space transforms into various shapes in combination with the exterior environment that it reflects.

the existing double-door entrance sash was removed to create a semi-outdoor space at the entrance. from there, a long waiting bench in concrete extends through the narrow interior, including a window sill. the salon also features a coffee counter that serves drinks to customers, as well as a concrete reception counter.

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project info:

name: siki

architect: fathom

lead designer: hiroyuki nakamoto

logo design: kentaro ooi (listen)

green: kenzaburo oshio
steel works: kamo craft, susumu murata

location: hiroshima, japan

completion year: 2021

photography:  tatsuya tabii