Dezeen Magazine

Junichiro Ikeura embraces the triangle with Japanese salon and office

Tessellating windows and cladding panels create a pattern of glowing triangles on the facade of this commercial building in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan, by local architect Junichiro Ikeura (+ slideshow).

Salon and office by Junichiro Ikeura

As a result of recent roadworks, Ikeura and his studio DABURA I had been tasked with designing a building for a triangular parcel of land bound on two sides by streets.

Salon and office by Junichiro Ikeura

Rather than working against the shape, the architect chose to celebrate it by covering the facade in a triangulated pattern made up of both metal cladding panels and windows.

Salon and office by Junichiro Ikeura

"We were particular about a triangle and pushed forward a plan," said Ikeura. "We wanted to fill up both two dimensions and three dimensions with triangles."

Salon and office by Junichiro Ikeura

During the day, the windows direct triangular pockets of light into the building. After dark, internal lighting allows the triangles to visibly glow on the facade.

Salon and office by Junichiro Ikeura

Named Full of Triangles, the building contains two storeys that currently accommodate a hair salon and an office.

Salon and office by Junichiro Ikeura

A central staircase divides the floor plan into two halves, meaning each level can be subdivided if necessary.

Salon and office by Junichiro Ikeura

The structure is provided by a wooden frame. Timber was also used for the joinery and staircase, as well as for the partition walls.

Salon and office by Junichiro Ikeura

The metallic cladding is made from silver Galvalume – a kind of aluminium and zinc alloy.

Salon and office by Junichiro Ikeura

Located opposite the Fukutsu train station, the building is described by Ikeura as "a landmark of the station squares".

Ground floor plan of Salon and office by Junichiro Ikeura
Ground floor plan - click for larger image
First floor plan of Salon and office by Junichiro Ikeura
First floor plan - click for larger image
North elevation of Salon and office by Junichiro Ikeura
North elevation - click for larger image
South east elevation of Salon and office by Junichiro Ikeura
South east elevation - click for larger image
West elevation of Salon and office by Junichiro Ikeura
West elevation - click for larger image