Architect Jo Nagasaka, founder of Schemata Architects, has designed Le Labo’s new Kyoto flagship store by transforming a 150-year-old machiya townhouse on Kiyamachi street into a space that fuses the fragrance brand’s raw, industrial identity with the wabi-sabi philosophy rooted in Japanese culture. Inspired by Zen Buddhism and mindful of the traditional structure’s historical significance, Nagasaka collaborated with Le Labo’s creative director Deborah Royer to create a design that honors imperfection, time, and craftsmanship.

The storefront introduces visitors with minimal signage on a traditional noren and leads into a sequence of curated zones. A wooden console and laboratory booth evoke curiosity with perfumery tools and ingredients, while a long tori-doma corridor directs guests toward a tranquil courtyard and café. The retail area features natural light, a zen garden, and handcrafted woodwork, all merging old and new without disruption. Interior elements like bengara-tinted walls, tatami flooring, vintage tones, and exposed concrete sit beside modern glass containers and fixtures, creating a tactile experience that respects the past while serving a contemporary function.

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Throughout the adaptive reuse, subtle additions like hidden lighting and restrained materials ensure the historic character of the building remains intact. Le Labo’s Kyoto store, much like the brand itself, embraces simplicity, imperfection, and the enduring beauty of craftsmanship.