We were in charge of the design and construction of the third store for the “UNBIRTHDAY Group”, a hair salon that operates mainly in the Sannomiya area of Kobe. The concept was based on the owner’s wish to “put a bookmark on people’s life (LIFE)” from the store name “if” and the name of the first store manager, “SHIORI”. We attempted to provide a unique experience space where the sense of security of being invited to a friend’s room and the stimulation of the unusual coexist.

Emphasizing the perspectives of both the host and the guest, the personalized services, from cutting to shampooing, where one person can stay with the guest until the end, were made more embodied in the intimate space by enhancing the device. Glass blocks, paint, wood, and steel were used as materials, and a lot of white was used to create a sense of cleanliness and expansiveness.

Lighting is maximized by taking advantage of the windows on two sides. Partition walls were eliminated as much as possible, and glass blocks and low partitions were used where necessary to break up the feeling of blockage and give the space a soft, expansive feeling. Vintage furniture was used to create a sense of a highly private room while providing a high-quality spatial experience.