JAPAN'S BEST-DESIGNED OFFICESConcept
HŌKO: three words folded into one
The new head office is built on a made-up word, HŌKO, which folds together tsunagu (to connect), hiraku (to open) and hōko (a treasure house).
Each half is then spelled out with different characters that share the sound. To connect means fewer divisions in the layout, so departments work together; it also means bonds between colleagues, and a design of rings that link. To open means an office that can expand later, one where you choose where to work, and one with large openings.
01 · Step Atrium
Entrance to roof, in one move
The Step Atrium runs from the entrance lobby up to the top of the fourth floor and on to the terrace that looks at Himeji Castle — one continuous void with a great stair climbing through it. A large opening to the north and a rooflight above fill it with light, and it is the face of the office.
02 · Reception and café
Rings, overhead
The reception takes a curved timber counter against a wall of hexagons. The café space on the fourth floor sits under rings of light, which is the connecting idea made literal.
03 · Lounge
Sofas, and a long view
A lounge with deep sofas and low tables runs along the glass, with the hills of Hyogo beyond it.
04 · Roof garden
Fruit that gets cooked downstairs
The roof garden opens off the café. A circular timber deck makes it walkable, a lawn in the middle takes events, and a pergola gives shade so that lunch outdoors works. Every plant is a native species, many of them fruiting — and the fruit is cooked in the café kitchen.
05 · Work floors
Steps, cushions and lockers
Inside, one working area is built as a shallow timber amphitheatre with bean bags and bookshelves under the same rings of light. Another is a straightforward room of tables with a wall of lockers.
06 · The building itself
Made in Himeji
The company’s president wanted to lift up Himeji, so wherever possible the building was made with companies based in the city — nine of them. It holds CASBEE Smart Wellness Office rank S.
