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Shiroiya Ryokan was established in Maebashi, Gunma Prefecture during the Edo period and closed in 2008, despite having a history of about 300 years. It was reopened in December 2020 as SHIROIYA HOTEL which was designed by the architect Sou Fujimoto. The new hotel consists of two buildings; the Heritage Tower, a drastic renovation of the former Shiroiya building, and the Green Tower, a newly constructed building inspired by the banks of the old Tone River. The new Blue Bottle Coffee was designed inside a cave-like space within the Green Tower.
The studio wanted to take advantage of the comfortable, cavernous interior while maximizing the limited light by placing a large sliding door on the north side. Also, in deference to Blue Bottle Coffee's precedent-setting design, the bar is set in a prominent position so that it can be seen from the outside. Although it is a relatively small space, the studio sought to create a park-like environment where people can sit casually through benches and sofas as the main type of seating available. In particular, make sure that the large sofa in the middle is comfortable for customers of all ages, from children to parents to the elderly, such a space is welcome for everyone.
In order to introduce local design elements, the floors were made of bricks found in many historic buildings in the front bridge as well as in the SHIROIYA HOTEL, and the bar was completed by a local plasterer who considered the colour of the bricks. In response to the textures of the bricks and counters, copper light fixtures and furniture with a slight shimmer were chosen, paper ropes for the entry handles, and upholstery for the sofa, all of which are a collection of tactile materials.
- Interiors: Keiji Ashizawa
- Photos: Ben Richards
- Words: Gina