Pure as the driven snow

PHOTOS: Takumi Ota

A small and irregularly shaped office in Japan has been transformed into a streamlined, linear, snow-white space by Tokyo-based practice Yoritaka Hayashi Architects.

The two-level office space called POOL Inc is used by an advertising agency in Tokyo. The illusion of additional space (and an edgy aesthetic to boot) was facilitated by a series of transparent fixtures and furniture pieces. And although a fair amount was added, the narrow office does not seem crowded owing to Yoritaka’s clever material choices.

“The disrupted skeleton without interior finish has a peculiar charm,” says Yoritaka, “so I emphasized the shape of this space by painting the whole surface white, and tried to give order and rhythm though arranging the transparent furniture. The furniture made of acrylic resin is like solidified water and slightly thicker than the ordinary glass, so it feels both heavy and light.”

Benefitting from generous stretches of windows on both the main and loft level, the design is singularly finished in a shade of white to maximize the effect of natural day lighting.

The entrance opens up to a communal meeting area which features a table constructed out of the transparent acrylic. Chosen for its thicker consistency than glass, acrylic panels are strung together to create a series of suspended shelving units along the back wall of the office.

All transparent furniture was designed by Yoritaka Hayashi, except for the La Marie chairs by Starck.

More information: http://yoritakahayashi.com