At Reform: A Showroom that Blends Commerce and Landscape

Creating a Harmonious Space for Community and Design

The unique feature of the At Reform showroom lies in its symbolic opening, which takes the shape of the company logo. This opening wraps around the existing building, utilizing local wood to create a 1-meter buffer zone. Within this buffer zone, a deck terrace is set up, and the plants and stones from the area are transplanted, creating an inviting entrance to the showroom space. Inside, the commodities are displayed in independent boxes, while community spaces serve as the main area.

The realization of this design involved creating a spatial facade that offers a unique experience. The buffer zone not only provides a deck terrace but also allows visitors to have a continuous experience as they move between the facade and the interior space. By exhibiting the commodities in separate boxes and framing the view of home life through windows, the showroom offers a glimpse into the potential of renovation projects.

The dimensions of the building are as follows: 15000mm×5500mm×3800mm. The site area is 1650 m2, with a construction area of 145 m2. The main structure of the building is steel, while the facade is made of wood.

In the showroom, the commodities take a secondary role, displayed in showcases, while the main space is dedicated to community activities. At Reform aims to support local talent by providing a space for workshops and gatherings. By transforming the convenience store into a showroom, At Reform has become a town renovation company that actively engages with the community.

The project began in July 2016 and was completed in July 2017 in Fukushima, Japan. The showroom officially opened on July 24, 2017.

One of the challenges faced during the design process was the distinctive shape of the convenience store, which could not be altered due to the building's status as a rental property. However, by creating a facade with a buffer zone, At Reform successfully integrated the building into its beautiful surroundings while expressing the company's identity.

The At Reform showroom has received recognition for its innovative design. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Architecture, Building, and Structure Design category in 2019. This prestigious award acknowledges designs that demonstrate creativity, resourcefulness, and a commitment to improving quality of life through art, science, design, and technology.