tsubasa iwahashi architects: folm arts beauty salon, osaka

‘folm arts beauty salon’ by tsubasa iwahashi architectsall photos by yoshiro masuda

to celebrate its 10th anniversary, the ‘folm arts beauty salon’ in osaka, japan has undergone a renovation. the overhaul has been designed by tsubasa iwahashi who has envisioned a landmark retail space for the town. the defining architectural feature is seen in the shop’s façade which is entirely covered in a white shell, minus a house-shaped cut out at its base which opens up the edifice offering views into the interior. this element extends outwards from the front of the building,giving the illusion of a tunnel, adding visual depth. as one enters, they are immediately met by a reception area to the right. the front of the house has two styling stations, with the two remaining work areas located in the back room. a neighbouring private area where special beauty treatments are carried out, is positioned behind a wall, outside of one’s line of sight when looking into the salon from outside. at the rear there is a staff room and dispensary. the overall minimalist white space is accented by wooden details, with built-in storage areas lining the entire length of the space on the left.

the defining architectural feature is a house-shaped cut out of the white facade which opens up the edifice offering views into the salon