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WELLNESS: A Scandi Haven in the Heart of Tokyo
Swedish design studio Claesson Koivisto Rune have realised an ambitious project to transform a 1920s bank building in central Tokyo into an impeccably designed boutique hotel.
K5 Tokyo occupies five floors of the former bank in Kabutocho, Nihonbashi, where 20 guest rooms range from cosy studio spaces to the vast ‘K5 Loft’. Having survived bombing during the second world war, K5 Tokyo’s sturdy industrial home is unusual in a city where buildings are routinely pulled-down and rebuilt. Working with the character and history built into the walls, studio Claesson Koivisto Rune have created a haven in the heart of the city, where Scandinavian and Japanese design sit happily side by side.
Delivering the hotel in just 14 months, the Stockholm-based designers kept the Japanese idea of aimai in mind when realising their vision. Used to positively describe things that are ambiguous, obscure or vague, aimai inspired unexpected spaces. Textiles are used to create walls, soft, contemporary furnishings jar against exposed industrial concrete and plants bring the outside in.
Whilst accommodation occupies the top three floors, the ground two are home to an ambitious series of spaces designed for eating, drinking and socialising. Teaming up with established Tokyo eateries, the Caveman Restaurant and bar is a collaboration with Meguro favourite Kabi, whilst Switch Coffee occupy a plant-filled café-cum-florist. The cosy Ao cocktail and tea bar features dim lighting, plush sofas and a well-stocked library, whilst in the basement, a vast late-night beer-hall is home to Brooklyn Brewery’s first international outpost.
As well as overseeing the architecture and interior design, studio Claesson Koivisto Rune also designed 24 new products to kit out the hotel – from stationary to Japan-inspired furnishings to a bespoke Tokyobike.
Book your stay now via the hotel website
K5 Tokyo: 3-5 Nihonbashi Kabuto-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0026
Images: Yikin Hyo
