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Aesop Aoyama by Jo Nagasaka and Schemata Architecture Office

Aesop Aoyama by Schemata Architecture Office

Japanese architect Jo Nagasaka of Schemata Architecture Office used materials reclaimed from a demolished house for the interior of this Tokyo shop for Australian skincare brand Aesop.

Aesop Aoyama by Jo Nagasaka and Schemata Architecture Office

Located in a former vegetable shop, the project involved reusing timber, handles and furniture found in the demolished house.

Aesop Aoyama designed by Jo Nagasaka and Schemata Architecture Office

Features of the empty shop such as pipes and drain covers were highlighted by coating in resin.

Aesop Aoyama designed by Jo Nagasaka and Schemata Architecture Office

"We find a demolished house anywhere in the world," says Nagasaka. "We use a place in different purposes anywhere in the world. We get a space in skeleton condition anywhere in the world."

Aesop Aoyama by Jo Nagasaka and Schemata Architecture Office

More about Schemata Architecture Office on Dezeen »

Aesop Aoyama by Jo Nagasaka and Schemata Architecture Office

Photographs are by Alessio Guarino.

Aesop Aoyama by Jo Nagasaka and Schemata Architecture Office

Here's some more information from Aesop:


Aesop is proud to open in Tokyo, on the Ground Floor of the Asada building in Minami-Aoyama. Behind the humble facade sits a small store with a remarkable story.

Aesop Aoyama by Jo Nagasaka and Schemata Architecture Office

Architect Jo Nagasaka, when considering how to create a functional yet poetic retail space for Aesop’s range of skin and hair products, came upon an abandoned house, the Murazawa residence in Nakano- ku.

Aesop Aoyama by Jo Nagasaka and Schemata Architecture Office

Recognising the possibilities for reusing the wooden boards and beams, Nagasaka collaborated with Aesop Director Dennis Paphitis on a design that incorporates old and new materials, and pays homage to Japan’s well-established tradition of fusing modern and traditional.

Aesop Aoyama by Jo Nagasaka and Schemata Architecture Office

The project was challenging, but the result is a space that is simple, practical and warm.

Aesop Aoyama by Jo Nagasaka and Schemata Architecture Office

Aesop was founded in 1987. We offer a range of exceptional skin, hair and body products through our thirty international concept stores, and department and specialty store counters.

Aesop Aoyama designed by Jo Nagasaka and Schemata Architecture Office

The brand has attracted a loyal following from the beginning for our unwavering commitment to product ingredients, minimalist packaging, and intelligent communication with our customers.

Aesop Aoyama by Jo Nagasaka and Schemata Architecture Office

While our beginnings were in hair care, Aesop now boasts a line of over seventy products, more than half of which are skin care.

Aesop Aoyama by Jo Nagasaka and Schemata Architecture Office

Aesop stands apart from other companies in our refusal to be anything other than transparent, humble and sincere.

Aesop Aoyama by Jo Nagasaka and Schemata Architecture Office

We make every product with the same attention to detail that we believe should be applied to life at large.

Aesop Aoyama by Jo Nagasaka and Schemata Architecture Office

Our company advocates the use of our range as part of a life that includes good food, plentiful travel and a healthy dose of books.

Aesop Aoyama designed by Jo Nagasaka and Schemata Architecture Office

Aesop Aoyama
Site: Shibuya ward Tokyo

Aesop Aoyama designed by Jo Nagasaka and Schemata Architecture Office

Principal use: Shop
Structure RC

Aesop Aoyama designed by Jo Nagasaka and Schemata Architecture Office

Total floor area 74.89m²
Office area 28.66m²
Shop area 46.23m²

Aesop Aoyama designed by Jo Nagasaka and Schemata Architecture Office

Construction: Sekiguchi Corporation
Epoxy: Syuhei Nakamura

Aesop Aoyama designed by Jo Nagasaka and Schemata Architecture Office

Completion: Dec.2010

Aesop Aoyama designed by Jo Nagasaka and Schemata Architecture Office

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