What was the brief?
Concept ”The sea and nature”
The Goodman Group, headquartered in Sydney, specializes in industrial real estate development and management. They recently designed a 470 m2 amenity space within a 154,000 m2 distribution warehouse in Chiba New Town, Stage 5 of a large-scale business park. This space aims to provide relaxation and healing, inspired by Australia's natural environment. The design mimics the sea's surface with wave-like ceilings using stainless steel and mirrors. The walls reflect the movements of people, clouds, and sunlight, creating a dynamic interior. Indoor plants resembling seaweed enhance the underwater theme. Traditional Japanese "Seigaiha" tiles adorn the walls, symbolizing blessings and continuity like ocean waves, symbolically connecting Australia and Japan. The goal is for employees to rejuvenate amidst "the sea and nature," fostering a peaceful return to work.
What were the key challenges?
We took on the challenge of designing a space for workers in logistics warehouses that allows them to refresh both mind and body, as this time is precious to them during the day. Furthermore, to ensure that they experience something new every day, we designed a space without partitions but with various experiences available.
What materials did you choose and why?
By using Seigaiha, a traditional Japanese wave-patterned tile, at the entrance, we aimed to connect the Australian company, which has an affinity with the sea, with Japanese culture. For the ceiling, we designed a soothing space by installing mirrored stainless-steel tiles, creating the effect of being underwater. The floor design evokes the ocean by polishing the concrete to an extreme degree.
Team:
Design: KAMITOPEN
Client: Goodman JAPAN LIMITED
Other participants: Toda Corporation
Photo credits: Keisuke Miyamoto
Material Used:
1. Flooring:
Flooring W150×L910, TIMBER CREW
Polished concrete, on-site construction
Magnetic tile installation [BlackboardAsh / BLA-60-30], OLLSTANDARD
2. Interior furniture: Inter office / Magis Japan / Seiarrows
