A quaint storefront in Ginza, Japan has been transformed into ‘Aesop Ginza’, a beauty retail shop by japanese practice Schemata Architecture Office. The original masonry facade and stairway for the upper level tenants was retained and carried into the interior of the 38 square meter space, integrating the material into the product display shelves. The focal elements within the space, dark tinted bottles wrapped with white labels, are aligned on the shelving to parallel the mortar joints and brick rows, bringing attention to their presence amidst the rustic color palette.

A series of irregularly sized brick platforms and horizontal wooden boards lead customers into the depths of the space while accenting the consistent wall and flooring surfaces. A counter is formed with an elongated rectangular volume formed with the same material while a copper sink and faucet compliment the warm hues of the wood.

All images courtesy of Schemata Architecture Office
Image © Alessio Guarino

http://www.designboom.com/weblog/cat/9/view/17460/schemata-architecture-office-aesop-ginza.html