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Renovation of “KANBAN-Style” Building by Rei Mitsui Architects

09.08.16 | By
Renovation of “KANBAN-Style” Building by Rei Mitsui Architects

Renovation of “KANBAN-style” Building is a minimal renovation located in Tokyo, Japan, designed by Rei Mitsui Architects. The client requested to maintain the outward aesthetic of the building while constructing reinforcements in order to retrofit the space to resist earthquakes. There was once a tailor shop closed for over ten years, and the existing building was almost abandoned, and the damage was disastrous.

Former Tailor Shop in Nihonbashi, renovation by Rei Mitsui Architects

The architects created a lift for the building, and reconstructed the entire foundation as well as the damaged elements. Arch-frames that were produced in cast iron were used as earthquake resisting elements. The diameter of each stripe transforms smoothly to follow the structural internal stress.

Casting was the chosen method of production as it was flexible enough to produce numerous parts as well as create complex and decorative patterns. Furthermore, due to its rough and warm texture, the cast iron suits the existing old timber structure. The iron is surprisingly lightweight due to its thinness, and structural makeup which was constructed in 3D parametric software.

Former Tailor Shop in Nihonbashi, renovation by Rei Mitsui Architects

Former Tailor Shop in Nihonbashi, renovation by Rei Mitsui Architects

Former Tailor Shop in Nihonbashi, renovation by Rei Mitsui Architects

Former Tailor Shop in Nihonbashi, renovation by Rei Mitsui Architects

Former Tailor Shop in Nihonbashi, renovation by Rei Mitsui Architects

Former Tailor Shop in Nihonbashi, renovation by Rei Mitsui Architects

Former Tailor Shop in Nihonbashi, renovation by Rei Mitsui Architects

Former Tailor Shop in Nihonbashi, renovation by Rei Mitsui Architects

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Former Tailor Shop in Nihonbashi, renovation by Rei Mitsui Architects

Former Tailor Shop in Nihonbashi, renovation by Rei Mitsui Architects

Former Tailor Shop in Nihonbashi, renovation by Rei Mitsui Architects

Former Tailor Shop in Nihonbashi, renovation by Rei Mitsui Architects

Former Tailor Shop in Nihonbashi, renovation by Rei Mitsui Architects

Photography by Jérémie Souteyrat.

Leo Lei translates his passion for minimalism into his daily-updated blog Leibal. In addition, you can find uniquely designed minimalist objects and furniture at the Leibal Store.