'minorityrev' by case-real in fukuoka, japan
all images courtesy case-real
photographer: hiroshi mizusaki

'minorityrev' by japanese studio case-real is a high-end clothing boutique located
in a residential area outside of downtown fukuoka city. residing in an old zipper factory,
the design features a non-invasive green skin to maintain the identity of the original structure 
while giving it a new, transformative face. 

street view
wrapped in a continuous plane of chain links, the exterior of the two-storey factory 
is kept intact and honest to its origins. climbing ivy grows from a strip of flower beds 
that run along the north and west side, continuously renewing the shop's appearance 
while respecting the native facades. 

detail of growing wall

chain-link shell

ivy 

(left) after ivy
(right) before ivy

main entrance
the interior is converted in a similar, nonintrusive manner, retaining the majority of 
its industrial history by highlighting the factory's details: steel beams of the second level 
ceiling are left exposed while structural columns lacquered in black regulate the shop 
space on the ground floor; old assembly conveyor belts and stacks of floor boards serve as
display surfaces for the boutique's products. 

main floor display area


(left) entry
(right) lounge

ground floor shop area

upper level shop

night view - before ivy

floor plan / level 0
(1) entrance
(2) approach / display
(3) shop / display
(4) shop
(5) VIP room
(6) fitting room
(7) reception
(8) staff room
(9) toilet
(10) beauty salon
(11) smoking room
(12) stock
(13) flowerbed
(14) gallery
(15) office / stock

floor plan / level +1
project info:
designer: koichi futatsumata
client: minorityrev
builder: ob
use: boutique
area: 274 m2 (ground floor), 219 m2 (first floor)