Claesson Koivisto Rune Architects convert 1920s Tokyo bank into hotel
by Stu Robarts | 17 Feb 2020
Claesson Koivisto Rune Architects have converted a former 1920s bank building in Tokyo into what they describe as a "micro-complex of creative eateries, bars, gathering spots, and Swedish-minimalism-meets-Japanese-heritage design."
Located in the Nihonbashi Kabutocho area of the city, K5 Tokyo is a hotel with a restaurant, a wine bar, a coffee shop, a cocktail bar and a beer hall.
Its redevelopment took only 14 months from conception through planning and construction, ultimately creating 20 guest rooms, mostly around 40sq m (430sq ft) in size with a ‘Loft’ suite covering 78sq m (840sq ft).
The building retains its exterior architecture, which is described as Western neoclassical with Japanese detailing and proportions, while original elements of the interior – like exposed concrete and a parquet floor – were retained where possible.
Traditional materials such as concrete, cedarwood and Japanese stucco are complemented by custom-designed furniture and accessories.
A lack of greenery in the area, meanwhile, inspired the idea of creating a ‘green oasis’ in K5 Tokyo, with potted plants throughout contributing to a sense of wellness and softening some of the more stark design elements.
Claesson Koivisto Rune Architects hotel Tokyo
Traditional materials such as concrete, cedarwood and Japanese stucco are used Credit: Yikin Hyo
The hotel has a restaurant, a wine bar, a coffee shop, a cocktail bar and a beer hall Credit: Yikin Hyo
The design style is described as 'Swedish-minimalism-meets-Japanese-heritage' Credit: Yikin Hyo
The building's parquet flooring was retained where possible Credit: Yikin Hyo
The hotel's redevelopment took only 14 months from conception through planning and construction Credit: Yikin Hyo
There are 20 guest rooms in total Credit: Yikin Hyo
Rooms are mostly 40sq m (430sq ft) in size with a ‘Loft’ suite covering 78sq m (840sq ft) Credit: Yikin Hyo
The building was originally constructed in the 1920s Credit: Yikin Hyo
The exterior architecture is described as Western neoclassical with Japanese detailing and proportions Credit: Yikin Hyo
Claesson Koivisto Rune Architects have converted a former 1920s bank building in Tokyo into what they describe as a "micro-complex of creative eateries, bars, gathering spots, and Swedish-minimalism-meets-Japanese-heritage design." Located in the Nihonbashi Kabutocho area of the city, K5 Tokyo is a hotel with a restaurant, a wine bar, a coffee shop, a cocktail bar and a beer hall. Its redevelopment took only 14 months from conception through planning and
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