Arkhe, a beauty salon unique in Japan, designed by Twoplus-a

Twoplus-a studio designed a beauty salon named ARKHE (refers to the ancient belief that water is the source of all creation) around the theme of water. This beauty salon has already received four awards since it opened less than a year.

Recyclable aluminum sheet was used to express the flow of water and hair, reflecting the airily soft light, like sparkling light on water's surface, and filling the space with elegant and sensual curves.

The aluminum's flow changes freely while providing a function and atmosphere suited to each area: a space with a gentle flow and a high ceiling for the haircutting area; a space with a stiff current and changes in height difference for the center aisle area and a space with a low ceiling for the waiting area.

This allows to minutely perceive the changes in light throughout the day, according to the viewer's location and the passage of time, as well as to experience a space with transient and diverse atmospheres.

Arkhe beauty salon, located in Chiba (Japan), has been awarded for the design and image communication created by Twoplus-a studio in the following Awards:

- iF Communication Design Award 2012 “GOLD AWARD” (International Award / Germany)

- INTERIOR DESIGN Best of Year Award 2011 “Best of Year (1st prize)” category-BeautySpa
(International Award / INTERIOR DESIGN mag_USA)

- DDA AWARD - Japan Display Design Award 2011

- SDA AWARD - Japan Sign Design Award 2011

MORIYUKI OCHIAI ARCHITECTS Twoplus-a website

Photos: Atsushi Ishida (Nacasa & Partners Inc)