BUAISOU STORE

Based in Tokushima Prefecture, BUAISOU oversees every stage of its indigo practice—from cultivating indigo and producing sukumo (composted indigo leaves) to dyeing, design, and sewing. This project involved the creation of a new flagship store and gallery that would serve as a platform for BUAISOU’s activities and ideas.　The renovation encompasses two Japanese houses dating from the late 1940s to early 1950s, overlooking indigo fields directly in front of the site. Having long formed part of the local landscape, the challenge was to preserve the atmosphere and character of these buildings while transforming them into spaces for new forms of expression and activity.

For the store showcasing the products by BUAISOU, we felt that a relatively neutral environment—while retaining a certain material texture—would best bring out the distinctive colors of indigo dye. The existing perimeter walls and timber structure of the building were therefore retained, while a new white plaster volume was inserted within them, creating a restrained backdrop for the products.

At the same time, custom elements such as hangers and display fixtures were finished with indigo dye in collaboration with BUAISOU, giving the store its own distinct character. Stainless steel was introduced throughout as a contrasting material, further emphasizing the dialogue between old and new.

The existing difference in floor level between the earthen-floored entrance and the interior was preserved, retaining the spatial experience characteristic of a traditional Japanese house: passing beneath an indigo-dyed noren curtain before stepping up into the raised interior. Large, waist-height openings were introduced into portions of the interior walls, bringing natural light and views of the indigo fields directly into the store. The aim was to create a space that resonates with BUAISOU’s own approach—one that carries tradition forward while continually embracing the new.