torafu architects have shared their latest interior design of aesop sendai in japan. having already realized a store in osaka, this one is distinguished by the slatted timber panel system that wraps and forms the walls which have been used create a warm and inviting atmosphere to entice people inside.

torafu architects aesop designboom
all images © takumi ota

 

 

 

the store itself is compact and measures only at 6 meters by 7.8 meters wide. torafu architects left the shopfront completely open, meanwhile the product display is embedded into the panelled walls. the back subtly frames and separates the retail space and the sink.

 

 

‘we wanted the walls on both sides to characterize the space in a simple way, and thus used 30mm x 40mm japanese cedar slats to provide a deep texture with shadows.’ states the architects ‘contrary to the rafters usually seen in buildings, we chose to present the cross-grain side of the timber as the front surface, which has a more expressive texture.’

torafu architects aesop designboom
a large steel sink sits at the center of the space

 

 

 

sitting at the floorplan’s heart -similar in every aesop around the world- is a large sink made of steel. the feature allows for private consultations between customer and staff to take place in a single shared space.

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overall the shop measures 6m wide by 7.8m deep with a height of 3.4m

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the storefront is fully opened, with the product shelves organized on the left and the right side

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the aesop products neatly aligned on the shelves

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