Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi
A studio and gallery for Grand Seiko were designed within a birch forest overlooking Mount Iwate.
Seeking to embody the brand philosophy, “The Nature of Time,” the project employs wood as a natural material and proposes a plan that allows the surrounding landscape to be perceived even from the typically closed environment of the clean rooms.
To prevent the introduction of horizontal members that could collect dust within the clean rooms, a rising-beam structural system was adopted. In addition, a portion of the entrance hall roof is lifted toward Mount Iwate, reconciling the precisely controlled interior environment required for watch assembly with an openness to nature.
Insect hotels, also used in workshops, were installed around the site, creating a place where the coexistence of environmental consideration and craftsmanship can be directly experienced.
