Symbolplus’ Tokyo Office Is an Ode to Warmth and Natural Rhythm

Summary

• Symbolplus renovates its Tokyo office, preserving Akio Hayashi’s timber structure with natural materials
• Earthen plaster with Ishikawa red soil complements timber, adding warmth and tactile depth
• Washi paper screens and panels enhance durability, flexibility and atmospheric light effects

Design practice Symbolplus has unveiled the new face of its own office in Tokyo, creating a workspace that quietly integrates natural materials while respecting the building’s original timber structure. Set within a timber-framed building designed by Japanese architect Akio Hayashi, the project was guided by his request to avoid synthetic finishes and instead, embrace materials that harmonize with the building’s scale, rhythm a nd warmth. The result is a modest yet deeply considered interior that balances functionality with a sensitivity to tradition and context.

Earthen plaster blended with red soil sourced from Ishikawa was applied throughout the office, coating walls and exposed staircases. This material choice not only complements the warm tones of the timber frame but also reinforces the studio’s commitment to natural finishes. The plaster’s earthy hue creates a cohesive backdrop for the workspace, while its tactile quality adds depth and character. By preserving the timber structure and layering it with subtle interventions, Symbolplus achieved a design that resonates with the building’s history while enabling its transformation into a contemporary office.

The meeting room is anchored by a large communal desk, with timber shelving concealed behind sliding shoji screens crafted from Tosa Washi paper. Traditionally considered too delicate for such applications, the paper was layered to enhance durability, demonstrating the studio’s innovative approach to material reuse. Movable partitions and ceiling panels made from the same Washi allow the office to adapt to different spatial needs, offering flexibility while maintaining a consistent aesthetic. In the seating area, tilted Washi ceiling panels create a dramatic interplay of light and shadow above angular grey furniture, further enriching the atmosphere.