UN by ao. Honmachi

Un by ao., a one-color nail salon designed by ao. Co., Ltd., which operates beauty salons mainly in Shibuya, Tokyo, designed the Osaka Honmachi branch of the salon. We started with a preliminary inspection to determine how we could create a good space from an architectural standpoint, taking into account urban conditions such as the location from a bird’s eye view. Since the location was the most important aspect of the project, it was not enough to simply find a good space. After several surveys together, we decided to fully renovate a simple, flat tenant building with easy access and straightforward planning, located close to Honmachi Station.

The entrance and restrooms, waiting area and staff room, treatment room, and photography room were arranged in such a way as to divide the long and narrow floor plan in a vertical direction. Since the site only receives light from the south side, curtains were used instead of walls to reduce the feeling of oppression. In keeping with the nail salon’s one-color concept, the base of the space is white with accents of one color to embody the concept. The curtains were also designed to prevent views from escaping each private room. The design of the door openings and entrance door handles is reminiscent of the shape of fingernails to maintain a sense of fun.