Page 65 - AIT0121_E-Paper

Entwurf • Design Hitotomori architects, JP-Nara
Bauherr • Client Atelier Toiro
Standort • Location Higashishinmachi, 5−7, JP-Nara
Nutzfläche • Floor space 87 m 2
Fotos • Photos Hiroki Kawata
Mehr Infos auf Seite • More info on page 110

HAIRDRESSING SALON

IN IKOMA

In addition to the art of cutting people' hair, the right
care is crucial for succeeding in creating a perfect hair-
style. And this already begins in invisible places, na-
mely at the roots. With this in mind, Hitotomori archi-
tects made the aesthetics of materials, which do not
really have a place on the surface, visible for the pro-
prietors and customers of Atelier Toiro.

E veryone associates a visit to the hairdresser with something dif-
ferent. For some, it's an annoying chore that has to be endured,
others are very much enjoy the care and a cosy little chat, and still ot-
hers summon up all their courage and even dare to change their look.
Itoe Iizuka and Hitomi Goshoo envisioned the interior design of their
hairdressing salon Atelier Toiro in the Japanese city of Ikoma to be as
individual as their customer's needs. As a result of particular experi-
ences, talents and inclinations, every person is different. At Atelier
Toiro, this individuality is to be shown to advantage with the perfectly
coordinated haircut. Toiro means "ten colours", which the owners un-
derstand as a symbol of diversity. Hitotomori architects from the
neighbouring city of Nara took up this idea and created a small oasis
with numerous aha effects on an area of 87 square metres. The loca-
tion is the ground floor of a residential building. Two large openings
in the façade were recessed, so that each of them provides a weather-
protected outdoor area. Both the new window fronts and all space-
creating elements are constructed from drywall modules. Instead of
hiding the metal profiles behind plasterboards as usual, the architects
play with the substructure. The exposed profiles are clad from behind
with grey aerated concrete panels. This construction idea creates stri-
king built-in units with a pronounced vertical grid. In addition, large-
format larch wood panels, which are used to build generous seating
niches, shelves and storage space along the outer wall, add visual
warmth to the rectangular room, which is divided into three zones.
The reception is followed by the haircutting area, from where a step
leads to the washing area, which is discreetly concealed behind a de-
licate and elegant curtain made of translucent organdy fabric. Cer-
tainly, the use of unusual materials required some courage, but just
as the clients trust the salon proprietors, the latter trusted the archi-
tects and were rewarded. According to their own statements, the cus-
tomers understand this signal and place themselves and their look all
Grundriss • Floor plan the more confidently in the hands of Atelier Toiro.

AIT 1/2.2021 • 065