torafu architects sandwich aesop shibuya between two structures

torafu architects sandwich aesop shibuya between two structuresphoto: takumi ota

situated on a long slender site–2.6m in width, 7.8m in depth and 3.9m in maximum height–aesop shibuya occupies the first floor of a three-storey building sandwiched between two taller structures. the australian skin care brand commissioned torafu architects to convert the intimate space in to a welcoming retail shop in the bustling quarter of tokyo.

blackened steel is used for the counter and storage piecesphoto: takumi ota

the door of the entrance as well as the façade are glass, the latter made from a composition of brown, clear and corrugated glass panels which form a geometrical patchwork. as one enters the interior they are welcomed by a floor texture which changes from old, weathered wood with a set of three stairs transitioning into sisal carpet, the change emphasizing the move from the busy street into the tranquility of the store.

the basin – a signature feature of all aesop shopsphoto: takumi ota

the interior design is reduced to a minimum number of materials. storage shelves, counter and work surfaces are all finished in blackened steel which compliment the mortar walls, or mirrored wall found at the back. immediately on the left, there is a wash basin–a signature feature of all aesop stores. travelling through to the rear of the shop, one is greeted by a pink wall, stocked with the line of natural beauty products, as well as a larger counter space hidden within an recessed area, where a mirrored wall visually enhances the actual size of the space and reflects the natural light which floods through from a set of windows on the opposing wall.

views of the transition of floor coverings, from weathered wood to sisal carpetingphotos: takumi ota

the back end of the store is lit by natural light which floods through from windows situated along the edge of the wall and ceilingphoto: takumi ota

at the shop’s rear, there is a recessed area where there is a large work surface extending from a mirrored wall which visually expands the spacephoto: takumi ota

view into the shop from the backphoto: takumi ota

left: a look down the narrow retail spaceright: the glass geometric patchwork façadephotos: takumi ota