Atelier Write's innovative hair salon, Unravel, is a testament to the studio's creative vision and expertise in adaptive reuse. Located in Tokyo's Kiyosumi Shirakawa district, the salon is housed in a former warehouse, a space that has been transformed into a dynamic and versatile environment. The key to Unravel's success lies in its reconfigurable design, where mirrors, shelves, and curtains are suspended from industrial rails, allowing for a flexible layout that can accommodate various activities.
The use of mirrors is a clever design choice. By integrating galvanised steel worktops with plug sockets, the mirrors can be pulled into the centre of the interior to define the central salon area, or pushed to the outer edges when a more open space is required. This adaptability not only enhances the functionality of the salon but also creates a visually appealing and unique atmosphere. The predominantly metal palette is softened by the pastel green paint on the warehouse's framework and the pastel pink-toned mesh fabric of the full-height curtains, which can be used to close off the VIP and spa areas.
The furniture and fittings are designed to be industrial in character and easily movable. Green steel shelving and low, cubic tables made from timber are strategically placed to blend into the existing structure. The industrial steel racks in the shampoo and reception areas are a testament to the studio's attention to detail and their ability to complement the building's original character. The suspended mirrors and shelves, finished in electro-galvanised steel, maintain a neutral appearance while standing out within the space, creating a visually striking contrast.
The large shutter opening of the warehouse has been retained and filled with full-height panes of glass, sheltered by a corrugated metal canopy above. This design element not only allows natural light to flood the salon but also provides a connection to the surrounding environment. A green-painted steel staircase leads to a studio space on the warehouse's first floor, where the surfaces have been left in their raw, unfinished state, showcasing the building's industrial heritage.
Atelier Write's founder, Takuya Sakamoto, has a strong background in architecture, having previously worked at Nihon Sekkei and Schemata Architects. His experience and expertise are evident in the thoughtful design choices and attention to detail throughout the salon. The studio's ability to create a space that encourages a reciprocal relationship between the salon and the city is a testament to their innovative approach and commitment to adaptive reuse.
Unravel is a prime example of how adaptive reuse can create a dynamic and versatile space that goes beyond a conventional salon. The studio's creative vision and expertise in design have transformed a former warehouse into a unique and captivating hair salon, showcasing the potential of adaptive reuse in creating functional and aesthetically pleasing environments.
