Dezeen Magazine

Ninkipen! wedges galvanised metal office for a construction firm between Tokyo blocks

This galvanised metal office block by Japanese studio Ninkipen! is slotted into a narrow gap between two Tokyo buildings, and has an interior with an intentionally unfinished appearance (+ slideshow).

&S Tokyo by Ninkipen

Architect Yasuo Imazu, who works under the name Ninkipen!, designed the 211-square-metre offices for the interior construction company &S Tokyo, which is based in Shinagawa Ward.

&S Tokyo by Ninkipen

&S Tokyo has worked on a number of shop fit-outs for the Australian skincare brand Aesop, including one designed by Torafu Architects that is filled with metal pipes and lighting previously used on squid fishing boats.

&S Tokyo by Ninkipen

The interior of its Ninkipen!-designed offices has an unfinished appearance that is popular among Japanese architects.

&S Tokyo by Ninkipen

"When I considered that they undertake precision construction, I believed that the bared structure without a finishing coat is most appropriate design for them," said Imazu.

Metallic shutters draw up from the building's frontage to provide access to a parking space in the base of the building, while a separate entrance for pedestrians opens into a narrow stairwell.

&S Tokyo by Ninkipen

This metallic staircase leads to the first-floor offices, where a suspended black staircase provides access to a smaller second floor.

&S Tokyo by Ninkipen

Braced galvanised beams are left exposed across the walls and ceiling of the offices, which are furnished with wooden desks and storages.

&S Tokyo by Ninkipen

The back wall of the first floor is covered in earth-toned plaster, and is intended to both off-set the extensive metalwork and act as a further reference to the company's trade.

&S Tokyo by Ninkipen

"The ceiling lights throw light over it. It is a symbol of respect for expert's technique and makes a warm atmosphere in opposition to galvanised pillars," said the architects.

&S Tokyo by Ninkipen

"The office is going to be the place to create precious interiors used by many people."

&S Tokyo by Ninkipen

Among Ninkipen!'s previous projects are an atelier for a Kyoto clothing brand that features a patchwork of raw materials, a residence that is raised on pilotis above its uneven plot in Nara and a cafe in Osaka that is arranged around a small Jabuticaba tree.

Photography is by Hiroki Kawata.

&S Tokyo by Ninkipen
Ground floor plan – click for larger image
&S Tokyo by Ninkipen
First floor plan – click for larger image
&S Tokyo by Ninkipen
Second floor plan – click for larger image
&S Tokyo by Ninkipen
Roof plan – click for larger image
&S Tokyo by Ninkipen
Section – click for larger image