Located in the town of Sakai, the Folm Arts beauty salon is designed by Tsubasa Iwahashi to fit in with the surrounding houses. "I wanted to express the close connection of the town and shop," says the architect.

A chunky wooden frame surrounds the house-shaped glazing, creating the only interruption to an otherwise monolithic facade.

The interior of the salon is divided into two halves, both with clean white walls and pale timber furnishings. A reception desk is positioned at the front, while styling stations line the side wall and a private styling area is tucked away at the back.

Arched mirrors are mounted to the walls and sit proud of the surface.

Other salons to recently complete in Japan include one with a timber lattice along one wall and one with birch trees wedged between the floor and ceiling.

See more salons on Dezeen »
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Photography is by Yoshiro Masuda.

Read on more a more detailed description from the architects:

Folm arts - Beauty salon

If there is a form of the ideal to the shop, it may be to blend naturally as part of the town. It is that, rather than the sign-lit brilliantly, to continue to be as existence is connected to the people indeed.

This is a renovation of the beauty salon during the ten years have passed since the time along with the town from opening. There was a figure of the shop owner exchanging greetings friends with people of the town who went through the shop front. The figure already seemed to be a part of town. It is a renewal of the shop for 10th year.

The frame of house type reflecting the image of intimate connection with the town provided in the facade of the shop, are beginning to become the icon of the town. While leaving partially, what he continued to use it carefully for many years, we have reconstructed a new space in the shop. In the shop front, the shop owner exchanging greetings with people of the town and is watering trees, as usual. Through the frame of the house type of tunnel shape, connection with the town and the shop, has been practiced in the storefront today.

Overall Excellence *

I thought through the facade of the shop, I wanted to express a close connection of the town and shop. I have decided towards the town, and to have the facade of the shop the opening of the house type. When seen from the street, state of the shop is a glimpse into the frame over the house type. From the shop, view of the street is cut off by the frame of the house type, you can feel the appearance of the street to go move from moment to moment.

The shop and the town, are connected with each other deeply through the frame. And from now, the shop will continue piled up time as part of the town even more

Use of Technology *

The frame type of house that was built in the tunnel shape, is summarising various functions to one. An entrance door, the blind of the measure against the afternoon sun in the evening, the space of a waiting and a bookshelf, and planting, lighting...

Various elements are connected to one and the facade is constituted. It has succeeded in enabling simple composition and excluding an excessive element by collecting various functions to one.

Impact in Asia *

I believe images with shapes that reminiscent the universal, to function as a common language beyond the language. I think from children to the elderly, regardless of country, language of common give people the impression of a uniform. In addition, the effect, I believe is in Asia with similar climate, culture and distance, I can expect even more.

The frame of the house type cited the shape of a house, as reminiscent of an intimate relationship like a family, it was adopted. As an icon of the town, the shop will be rooted in the town in the future.

Commercial and Societal Success *

People of the town which memorises feeling of a certain kind on a house type frame, and it newly visits. People who point out the facade of a beauty salon and talk. People who wait for people. The passerby who parks and observes a car. Gradually, the beauty salon is beginning to function as an icon of a town. From now on, various dramas will start at the store.

One year, three years, and ten years after. The role of a new store has started as a part of town.

Location: Sakai, Osaka, Japan
Completion: Apr. 2013
Floor Area: 55 sqm

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Tsubasa Iwahashi Architects appeared first on Dezeen.

Constructed from a combination of black steel and oxidised stainless steel, the suspended mirrors create a pair of two-sided styling stations in the large front room of the Viktor Leske salon.

Karhard Architektur + Design used a materials palette of concrete and steel for the surrounding surfaces of the room. "The only briefing from Viktor Leske was to create something extraordinary," architects Thomas Karsten and Alexandra Erhard told Dezeen. "We tried to use less materials to create more atmosphere."

The floor is concrete, while wooden ledges line the walls to provide seating areas and a concrete lectern forms a reception desk.

A few stairs lead up to a second room at the back of the salon, where a hair-washing area is surrounded by illuminated panels that change hue from blue and green to pink, purple and red.

"The design concept deals with the different characters of the big front room and the narrow back room," said the architects. "We tried to find two different expressions in material and light."

Other recently completed salons include one in Japan with a wooden lattice across one wall and one that looks like a cross between a warehouse and a dungeon. See more salons and spas on Dezeen.

Photography is by Stefan Wolf Lucks.

Here's a little more information from Karhard Architektur:

Viktor Leske International

In the middle of "Mitte" Karhard has created a second salon for hairdresser Viktor Leske.

A striking element are the mirrors made from black steel and oxidized and polished stainless steel which are suspended from the ceiling. In combination with dark wood and concrete they provide a minimalist yet warm atmosphere.

The constriction of the space in back is dissolved by an elaborate light installation within a folded mirror wall. The wall, made from glass, one way mirrors and mirrors, can be rhythmically lit by programmable LEDs. Clients can hang out at the black bar, which comprises the waiting area.

Project name: Viktor Leske International
Completion: 02/2013
Construction area: 65 sqm
Owner: Viktor Leske
Architects: karhard architektur + design

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Karhard Architektur + Design appeared first on Dezeen.

Located in the Kitahorie neighbourhood, the salon occupies a long and narrow building, so Yasunari Tsukada designed a clean white interior with few partitons to keep the space as open as possible.

The gridded wall of timber runs along the right-hand side of the space to create workstations for seven stylists, each with a number of possible shelving configurations.

"We wondered if we could create flexible, extensible walls without imposing any limitations on their functionality," explains Tsukada. "In concrete terms, our solution involved building three-dimensional lattice screens resembling parts of a jungle gym that function as architectural pieces of furniture."

Openings in the grid create spaces for mirrors, while pendant lights hang through from above and glass panels can be slotted in and out to rearrange the shelving layout.

Two extra seats face a large mirror on the opposite wall, while a plywood screen accommodates a reception desk.

A narrower wooden framework provides additional shelves towards the rear of the 28-metre-long room, plus a hair-washing area is tucked away at the back.

Named end...Link, the salon is one of the first completed projects by Yasunari Tsukada, who launched his studio in 2012.

Other recently completed salons in Japan include one lined with ceramic tiles and another with birch trees wedged between the floor and ceiling. See more salon interiors.

Photography is by Stirling Elmendorf.

Here's some more information from Yasunari Tsukada:

end...Link / beauty salon

The name of this beauty salon was inspired by the owner's passionate desire to turn it into a destination for "the last word in beauty". Although the design was first completed about five years ago, the previous premises soon grew to feel a little cramped due to the rapidly expanding size of the team, which prompted the owner to move to a new and larger location.

The rented unit that the owner had prepared as the new platform for his venture was a slender, elongated space measuring 28m deep, with a frontage of 4.4m. Taking advantage of this narrow frontage, we configured each of the spaces in a straightforward manner by taking cues from the existing frame and contours of the property. In addition, by making efficient use of the length of the unit, we were able to maintain a certain distance between each space while connecting them seamlessly to each other. Keeping the number of partitions to an absolute minimum and painting the entire space white achieved a feeling of abstraction, as well as a sense of giving equal importance to both the new and old materials that comprise the walls, ceilings, and floors. The result was an interior that gave pride of place to the people and objects within it.

The styling space is where the owner's particular obsessions and passions came to the fore. He requested that we incorporate various functional elements into the mirrored surfaces (for storing or hanging objects). In response, we wondered if we could create flexible, extensible walls without imposing any limitations on their functionality. In concrete terms, our solution involved building three-dimensional lattice screens resembling parts of a jungle gym that function as architectural pieces of furniture. These screens were created using only a structural framework, with no particular significance attached to the form of the lattice itself. When lighting fixtures, glass panels, hooks and other objects are attached, however, the lattice begins to take on a new dimension. Affixing glass panels turns them into display shelves, or tables for the use of customers. Just imagine the transformations that these lattice screens will undergo, thanks to the multiple efforts and innovations of the staff.

Our heated, passionate discussions with the owner gave us real food for thought. Over the course of many meetings, our plans and designs continued to evolve and change repeatedly. Before long, we found ourselves starting to enjoy the progress of these changes. Thus was born a space that would serve as a base for the owner and his team to communicate their ideas and thoughts to their clients, promising the start of a new phase in its evolution and growth.

Project information
Project Name: end...Link
Location: Kitahorie Nishi-ku, Osaka, Japan
Use: Beauty Salon
Built area: 114.56m2
Completion : 2012 November
Design: Yasunari Tsukada design
Contractor: Infinity

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by Yasunari Tsukada appeared first on Dezeen.

Although it looks more a warehouse, the 1920s building was first constructed for use as a bank. Studio Muon converted part of the structure into a fashion showroom in 2008 and was brought back to add the hair salon in 2012.

While the first space was designed as a simple room with garments hanging from the ceiling, the second is planned as a series of zones with styling stations propped up on a stage.

"Different functions requested different spaces," architect Jiří Zhoř told Dezeen. "The main exhibit in the showroom is dresses, but in the hair studio it's people."

Mirrors bolted to rough concrete blocks run along the centre of the hairdressing platform, with chairs either side and spotlights suspended from above.

Concrete beams are used to front a steel reception desk. Elsewhere, reclaimed wooden joists are used as tables and shelf surfaces.

Other salons completed recently include a forest-like beauty salon filled with birch trees and a hair salon with copper pipes snaking across the walls. See more salon and spa interiors.

Photography is by the architect.

Here's a project description from Studio Muon:

Hair Studio "Táňa Kmenta"

Hair Studio "Tana Kmenta" is located in the bank building originally created and built in 1929-30 by Bohuslav Fuchs and Ernest Wiesner. It is located next to showroom DNB which is created by the same architect Jiří Zhoř in 2008. Both projects are symbiotically related, but different.

The main consideration was to divide the zones and create an elevated podium/stage (level patio) which can be visible from the outside. To create a space where hairstylists can be seen carrying out their creations, the active section and the place to perform.

Elevated podium is intersected by large mirrors which are supported with concrete blocks and basic lighting. The concrete blocks in a contrast with smooth stainless surface of the floor and mirrors further enhance elevated look.

While the zone for cutting hair is visible from the street, the space with the reception and for washing hair have cosy atmosphere.

The concept of furnishing is a solitary. All furniture and equipment are custom made. The principal materials are black steel, concrete block panels, old wood beams and glass mirrors. The moving table is made out of 200 years old wood beams. The reception is made from steel construction with concrete blocks same as weights under the mirrors.

The important element is a functional basin with different shelves for hair chemicals. Minimalistic black reflectors evoke a feeling of theatre atmosphere. The building of the bank is unique thanks to its construction from reinforced concrete what was innovative in the time of its development in 1930.

Above: fashion showroom, completed 2008

One of the aspirations of the project was to show off the basis of the building and its constructional principles. The atmosphere of the interior was soften by light white spraying what also created calmness and helped new elements to stand out in their real proportions and materials.

Above: fashion showroom, completed 2008

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by Studio Muon appeared first on Dezeen.

The first stages in the renovation were to line the walls with plasterboard, add a new concrete floor and install a series of windows in the slanted ceilings to let in more light.

Dirk van Berkel was keen to avoid creating a space that was too clinical. He explains: "To avoid a 'dental practice look' we applied pure and raw materials such as unfinished metal, glass, okoumé wood and copper."

Copper pipes for the heating system wind back and forth to create a towel rack by the sinks, while on the ceiling they line up with the suspended copper lighting fixtures.

Industrial-looking steel cabinets and screens divide the space, providing workstations and storage, and separating styling stations from washing areas. Glass infills allow views between the zones.

Plants are suspended from the ceiling in the waiting area and a large blossoming tree is positioned centrally.

Other salons completed recently include a forest-like beauty salon filled with birch trees and a minimal hair salon with a concrete floor and ceiling. See more salon and spa interiors.

Photography is by Caroline Westdijk.

Here's a project description from Dirk van Berkel:

Mogeen Salon & Hairschool

A former hearth boutique across the excavation of the north/south metro line (train) along the Vijzelgracht in Amsterdam has been transformed into a modern hairsalon and school. The upcoming area around the Vijzelgracht is attractive for hip, trendy and decadent businesses. The neighbourhood forms a remarkable contrast with the large nearby shopping area of the city's centre, where well known stores such as H&M, Nike and Zara predominate. The foundation of the building itself had been reconstructed because of the damage that was caused by the construction and excavation of the North/ South line. In order to gain sufficient square meters a roof has been built over the courtyard, where the hairschool is located.

The interior walls of a building of this stature are required to be fireproof up to one hour. To achieve this all the walls have been fitted with a double layer of fireproof plasterboard/sheet rock. Tilt windows have been placed in the slanting ceilings to let in sufficient natural sunlight, and floor heating has been installed in the newly built concrete floors. The heating systems copper piping continues through the sinks into the walls where it serves its second purpose: a heated towel rack.

The owners of Mogeen are talented hairstylists who often work for famous and well known fashion magazines and designers. Passion and feeling play a key part in Mogeen's style and we wanted that to visible in the interior. The sleek, mainly white coloured walls yielded the right lighting but didn't give the interior the atmosphere that we were looking for. To avoid a 'dental practice look' we applied pure and raw materials such as unfinished metal, glass, okoumé wood and copper. Lighting is an essential element in a salon. Thats why we used high end dimmable fluorescent lighting and in height adjustable hanging lamps above the washing units. The copper piping in which the electricity runs are visible on the walls to interrupt the large white surfaces. To make clients and customers feel at home the lobby/ waiting area contains a large comfortable sofa, a dining table packed with food and a pantry built into a bookcase with architecture, hair and art magazines and literature.

The salon and hairschool had to have a flexible layout. That made the choice for mobile dressing tables and a folding wall that separates the salon and the school. The large elongated sink was inspired by a trough and functions as a sink and a countertop. The high pressure laminate elements and air grids above the dressing tables can be placed and used in any spot in the elongated sink. This creates a flexible work environment. The complete inventory has been kept as transparent as possible: The use of glass in partitioning walls and see through cabinets has kept the inventory as transparent. As a result one can look through the entire salon. All these aspects combined accentuate and define the creative activity and atmosphere in this new hairsalon and school.

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Dirk van Berkel appeared first on Dezeen.