A 50-meter-long skylight gracefully spans the entire length of the Kitaoka Group headquarters in Japan, serving as a centerpiece of the recently renovated office building. The renovation, orchestrated by Tokyo-based Wataru Architects, has transformed the 40-year-old structure into an open, light-filled workspace that seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings and the local community.
Wataru Architects' vision for this project was to redefine the essence of working environments in Japan, starting from the local context. The design philosophy emphasizes the integration of the surrounding natural landscape and encourages communication among employees, their families, and the broader community.
The architectural transformation involved splitting the prefabricated steel structure into two long and narrow halves, mirroring the valleys on either side of the nearby Yoshino River. At the heart of the building, an atrium topped by a continuous skylight was introduced, flooding the interior with daylight. This atrium connects the ground and first floors, facilitating natural ventilation and enhancing the previously dark and disconnected layout.
Wataru Architects opted for a minimalist interior design, combining original tiling with plywood panels and neutral finishes. This aesthetic is contrasted by red-painted beams and vibrant pops of greenery, including a seven-meter-high Benjamin tree at the center of the plan and various plants strategically placed throughout the interior.
The ground floor is designed as a public space, welcoming employees, families, and community members alike. The building's entrance has been enhanced with a five-meter-long cantilevered canopy, and the facade features operable glass sashes to encourage airflow. The surrounding landscape has been transformed into a park, adorned with layered vegetation and an oversized 3D-printed vase.
Sustainability was a key consideration in the design process. The architects prioritized the reuse of the existing structure and finishes, harnessed natural light and ventilation, and maximized the building's connection with the surrounding environment. This approach not only reduces the environmental impact but also eliminates the need for daytime lighting and minimizes air conditioning requirements, depending on the seasons.
The Kitaoka Group office headquarters has been shortlisted in the small workplace project category of the Dezeen Awards 2025, competing against an experimental whisky lab by Barthélémy Grino and JSa's self-designed studio in a Mexican factory. The project's innovative design and commitment to sustainability have garnered recognition in the architectural community.
The stunning photography showcasing the Kitaoka Group office headquarters is the work of Keita Yamamoto.
