Sione Ginkakuji Store, a captivating renovation project by Fumihiko Sano Studio, breathes new life into an old folk house near Ginkakuji. This multifaceted space serves as a store for exquisite porcelain products and functions as a café, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the artistry of the client's tableware. This article explores the architectural nuances, design choices, and seamless integration of traditional and modern elements that define the Sione Ginkakuji Store.
(Photo: Omote Nobutada | fumihikosano)
Renovation of Tradition
The Sione Ginkakuji Branch stands as a testament to the thoughtful renovation of an old folk house, preserving its historical essence while infusing it with contemporary purposes. Located near the iconic Ginkakuji, the store proudly showcases and sells porcelain products crafted by the client. Large glazing fixtures adorn the entrance façade, providing a clear view of the offerings and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The entry door, which has a handle that echoes the gold and white colors of the tableware, leads to an area where modernity and history blend harmoniously.
(Photo: Omote Nobutada | fumihikosano)
Spatial Arrangement
As one enters the store, wall-mounted shelves and a central table showcasing porcelain products take center stage. The furniture and shelf designs are purposefully kept simple to guarantee that exquisite tableware stays the center of attention. Because of the muted color scheme, the porcelain's inherent beauty is emphasized. The layout of the spaces is thoughtfully chosen to highlight the products' visual appeal and foster an atmosphere that encourages customers to recognize the quality of the craftsmanship.
Connected directly to the store, a traditional Japanese tea room unfolds as an integral part of the experience. Serving as a café, this space harmonizes with the surrounding greenery and natural daylight, providing a serene backdrop to the porcelain store. The careful integration of traditional elements within the modern context speaks to the studio's commitment to creating an immersive and culturally rich environment for visitors.
Blending Old and New Materials
One of the distinctive features of the Sione Ginkakuji Store is its fusion of old and new materials. While the existing clay wall was retained to preserve the historical character, newly constructed partition walls utilize calcium silicate boards. The choice of these boards matches the matte white color of the porcelain and facilitates a unique design. Gold-plated screws secure the boards, creating an evenly patterned design reminiscent of the golden dots seen on porcelain during the kiln-baking process.
Integration of Materials
The artistic integration of materials becomes a focal point in the design narrative. Calcium silicate boards, blended with plaster finish, harmonize with the texture of the client's porcelain. Untreated wood seamlessly joins with aged wood, further emphasizing the marriage of tradition and innovation. Gold-plated screws, sparsely located, evoke the appearance of golden dots on porcelain, a nod to the intricate process of "kindami" in Japanese artistry. The result is a surface that showcases a captivating interplay of gold against a simple white background, mirroring the aesthetics of the porcelain itself.
(Photo: Omote Nobutada | fumihikosano)
Aesthetic Unity
The Sione Ginkakuji Store emerges as a space with a profound sense of unity, referencing the artistic expression inherent in porcelain. Every component of the design, from the straightforward hues and forms to the well-placed gold-plated screws, works together to create a unified look. The area is transformed into an immersive experience that lets guests appreciate the creative legacy of porcelain and the creative design decisions that revitalize a bygone era.
Sione Ginkakuji Store, crafted by Fumihiko Sano Studio, is a testament to the delicate art of balancing tradition and innovation. This renovated space not only preserves the charm of an old folk house but elevates it into a haven where porcelain elegance takes center stage. The careful integration of design elements, the seamless fusion of old and new materials, and the artistic attention to detail result in a store that transcends functionality to become a work of art. The Sione Ginkakuji Store invites patrons to indulge in the timeless beauty of porcelain within a space that embodies the essence of cultural continuity and modern creativity.
