Starbucks made of sticks

A new Starbucks in Tokyo has interwoven 4,4km of wooden sticks to create a spectacular interior. Reminiscent of both a nest and a giant-size game of pick-up sticks, the 2 000 wooden beams are each 1,3 to 4m in length.

This is the third interior designed by Kengo Kuma & Associates that uses their distinctive wooden weaving technique. However, it is the first in which the weaving takes a diagonal direction, giving the interior a sense of direction and fluidity.

The technique is an adaptation of traditional Japanese beam joining. Given that the Starbucks is positioned along the Dazaifu Tenmangu, one of the most significant shrines in Japan, these woven sticks harmonise the contemporary interior of the coffee shop with the traditional exterior of the street.