Toki City, Japan is one of the country’s leading ceramic production areas. In the Tono region of southern Gifu prefecture where high-quality clay can be found, is where Mino ware is made–which accounts for 50% of Japan’s total production and is known for its wide variety of styles and lack of characteristics. Like these historical ceramics, KOYO BASE–a tableware manufacturer managed by Koyo Toki and a shop had its former warehouse converted by Japanese firm Atelier Write, turning it into a dining cafe, shop, and other facilities that present simplicity yet versatility.
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The cafe is located within the factory’s shipping warehouse which was chosen as the design site due to the little impact on noise and vibration, its status as an area that’s easy to renovate, and its independence from the main factory building. Upon entry, visitors are greeted by stairs made of full-height steel stash with flat bar ties that give the entryway an open and welcoming impression that balances out the factory’s rough construction with delicacy and transparency.
Upon reaching the second floor, visitors are greeted by an expansive space that feels wider and more spacious thanks to the lack of overhead installations and the bare floor and ceilings that leave the atmosphere of a factory. At the southeast corner are multiple tables and seats where guests can enjoy a beautiful view of nature below while the east side presents a three-span opening that allows as much natural daylight to freely pour into the area.
At the second floor’s main area is the centerpiece–a flat counter arranged into an L-shape that encourages friendly interactions between the customers and staff.
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On the same floor, the workshop was installed and partitioned with transparent full-open fittings that allow for the sight of more horizontal space. While it has a design that takes advantage of a warehouse’s large space, it was also designed to make people feel the natural environment provided by the area’s hilly terrain.
A modern and tolerant space, KOYO BASE’s interiors have unified colors similar to unglazed ceramics to make a neutral background that welcomes a variety of ceramics and a diverse range of people to color the space with their presence. Like the ceramic products the company sells, KOYO BASE Dining Cafe and Shop is moderate and subtle in design.
Photos by Kenta Hasegawa
