SLOW Conceptualizes the outdoor gear shop as mountain hut

 

SLOW Architects takes over the expansion of the existing outdoor select shop ‘YOSEMITE’ in Kashihara City, Nara Prefecture in Japan. The original store, operational since 2013, required a larger space due to increased demand. The new structure, conceived as a symbolic building with a mountain hut motif, aims to attract a broader audience of outdoor enthusiasts. The two-story skip-floor design integrates a shop on the first floor and an office with a common space on the second floor, fostering a vertical connection between spaces.

wooden shingles cover 'yosemite' renovated storefront by slow in japan
all images courtesy of SLOW

 

 

Two-Story Skip-Floor building Exposes Structural Elements

 

Exposed structural elements such as columns, beams, and plywood contribute to a raw aesthetic, evoking the atmosphere of a mountain hut. Concrete flooring complements the material palette, creating a cohesive and functional space for shopping and office activities. The side wall features quotes from John Muir, the wilderness advocate of Sierra Nevada, inspiring the shop’s name ‘YOSEMITE’. SLOW Architects aims to convey the joy of mountain activities to an expanded audience through the thoughtful design and functionality of the space.

wooden shingles cover 'yosemite' renovated storefront by slow in japan
the new ‘YOSEMITE’ storefront captures the essence of a mountain retreat with wooden shingles

wooden shingles cover 'yosemite' renovated storefront by slow in japan
SLOW’s renovation aims to expand the appeal of the ‘YOSEMITE’ store inviting more outdoor enthusiasts

wooden shingles cover 'yosemite' renovated storefront by slow in japan
the side wall features quotes from John Muir, the wilderness advocate of Sierra Nevada

wooden shingles cover 'yosemite' renovated storefront by slow in japan
the outdoor gear shop is conceived as a mountain hut, blending nature and retail

wooden shingles cover 'yosemite' renovated storefront by slow in japan
the two-story skip-floor design integrates the shop and office spaces, fostering vertical connections

wooden shingles cover 'yosemite' renovated storefront by slow in japan
the interior unveils exposed structural elements, such as columns, beams, and plywood planks

 

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SLOW thoughtfully integrates functionality and design, creating a cohesive retail space
SLOW thoughtfully integrates functionality and design, creating a cohesive retail space
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project info:

 

name: YOSEMITE

architect: SLOW | @slow_architects

location: Kashihara, Japan

 

 

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom