Design studio Symbolplus has completed a thoughtful renovation of its own office space in Tokyo, emphasizing natural materials and traditional Japanese craftsmanship. The project showcases how contemporary workspace design can honor architectural heritage while meeting modern functional needs through the use of earthen plaster and delicate Japanese paper.
The office is housed within a timber-framed building originally designed by renowned Japanese architect Akio Hayashi, who specifically requested that Symbolplus use natural materials to complement the existing structure. "He requested that we avoid synthetic materials and instead use natural ones," the studio explained. The design team preserved the original timber framework as much as possible, ensuring that all interventions would harmonize with the building's scale, rhythm, and warmth.
Rather than making bold architectural statements, Symbolplus pursued what they call "quiet integration" - an approach that respects the building's history while enabling functional transformation. This philosophy guided every design decision throughout the renovation process. The studio used exclusively natural materials, creating a workspace that feels both contemporary and deeply rooted in Japanese architectural traditions.
All interior walls have been finished with a distinctive plaster mixture that incorporates red earth sourced from Ishikawa, a coastal city known for its rich soil. This earthy color palette was specifically chosen to complement the warm tones of the building's existing wooden structure. The same plaster treatment extends to the exposed staircase in the corner of the office, which leads upward to the staff bathroom and kitchen areas.
The office's main meeting room centers around a large communal desk that serves as the heart of collaborative work. Along the edges of the space, timber storage shelving is concealed behind sliding screens called shoji, which are crafted from Tosa Washi paper. This traditional paper type is typically considered too delicate for construction use, but the studio innovatively layered it to provide additional structural integrity while maintaining its aesthetic qualities.
Tosa Washi paper plays a prominent role throughout the office design, appearing in movable partitions that allow staff to easily reconfigure the floor plan for different privacy needs. The paper has also been incorporated into dramatic ceiling panels, most notably visible in the office's seating area where they tilt at striking angles over angular gray sofas and chairs. This creative use of traditional materials demonstrates how historical craftsmanship can be adapted for contemporary applications.
"Rather than seeking visual novelty, this project innovates through its approach to material reuse, tradition, and adaptability," Symbolplus explained. "The result is a modest yet deeply considered space that reflects a commitment to enduring architecture over fleeting trends." This philosophy has earned recognition for the project, which has been shortlisted in the sustainable interior category of this year's Dezeen Awards.
The renovation represents a growing trend in Tokyo's design community toward sustainable and culturally sensitive interior design. Other recent projects in the city include innovative concrete houses with built-in furniture and showrooms designed as minimalist canvases. Symbolplus's approach demonstrates how contemporary workspaces can successfully integrate traditional materials and techniques while meeting modern functional requirements and environmental standards.
