Jun Mitsui & Associates Architects

The Ice Cubes

The Ice Cubes
© Naoomi Kurozumi
The Ice Cubes
© Naoomi Kurozumi

THE ICE CUBES 

Jun Mitsui & Associates Architects

PHOTOGRAPHS
Naoomi Kurozumi

AREA
3060.0 m2

YEAR
2008

LOCATION
Tokyo, Japan

CATEGORY
Office Buildings

Text description provided by architect.

This project was commissioned by a Hong Kong-based developer for whom we previously designed two high-end retail projects (in Akasaka and Omotesando).

The site constraints, including sky-openess factor (tenku-ritsu) and sun/shadow requirements were very restrictive.

The Ice Cubes
© Naoomi Kurozumi
The Ice Cubes
© Naoomi Kurozumi
The Ice Cubes
© Naoomi Kurozumi

Careful calculations were done to arrive at the best balance of forms while satisfying the regulations and achieving the maximum FAR. By developing the formal strategy as a series of interlocking cubes, we were able to massage the complicated building envelop shape into a dynamic composition.

This strategy solved not only the complex building form but also gave the freedom of adjusting the forms according to the additional building programs and structural considerations.

The Ice Cubes
© Naoomi Kurozumi
The Ice Cubes
© Naoomi Kurozumi

An important design requirement was for the cubes to appear feather light and thin. We performed careful studies to make the structure and insulation look as thin as possible. The cube surfaces are covered with a baked ceramic frit pattern on the outer-most surface of the glazing. By doing so, a pure-white cube expression can be achieved.

Had the frit been applied on an inner surface, the color of the cubes would have been greenish due to the green tint of the glass. All necessary technical studies for maintenance and durability of the outer-most surface frit pattern were resolved with the manufacturer who was then able to provide a ten year warranty.

The resulting image is silky and feathery which attracted the main tenant H&M, a Swedish apparel company who values the high-impact design.

The Ice Cubes
© Naoomi Kurozumi


The Ice Cubes
Plan 01
The Ice Cubes
Plan 02
The Ice Cubes
Plan 03


The Ice Cubes
Elevation 01
The Ice Cubes
Elevation 02
The Ice Cubes
E levation03
The Ice Cubes
Elevation 04
The Ice Cubes
section 01
The Ice Cubes
section 02

Jun Mitsui & Associates Architects
Jun Mitsui & Associates Architects