Not a Hotel Architects Transforms Brutalist Tokyo Warehouse into Headquarters
The new office integrates rare design classics and a demountable Jean Prouvé house.
1Warehouse Adaptive Reuse
Not a Hotel Architects converted a 1967 logistics warehouse in Tokyo into their new corporate headquarters. The design team preserved the original brutalist structure, highlighting the raw steel frame and exposed concrete surfaces. The building features expansive interior volumes with seven-metre-tall ceilings, providing a flexible canvas for the company’s creative operations.
2Zoning with Glass
To accommodate various departments, architects installed three-metre-high glass partitions that segment the floor plan into three distinct rows. These partitions create multiple smaller rooms, each serving specific functions while maintaining visual connectivity throughout the space. This layout balances the need for private workspaces with the building's massive, open-plan industrial aesthetic.
3Jean Prouvé Integration
A rare, demountable house designed by Jean Prouvé is installed within its own dedicated room inside the warehouse. The company utilizes this historic structure as an educational tool for their architectural team, focusing on material longevity and functional design. It serves as a functional meeting space while reinforcing the firm's commitment to design.
4Nigo Lounge Features
Located near the entrance, the Nigo Lounge showcases the brand's connection to high-end design. The area features three walls clad with 352 USM Haller cabinets, which house various art pieces and design objects. This space is intended to host owners of The Nigo House, a cliffside hotel property designed by artist Nigo.
5Digital Materials Library
The headquarters includes a unique materials library stored within 96 custom Globe-Trotter trunks. Each trunk contains physical architecture samples that are cataloged and searchable via integrated QR codes. This system allows the design team to efficiently access and review materials, blending traditional storage methods with modern digital tracking for architectural projects.
6Curated Design Philosophy
The office serves as a physical manifestation of founder Shinji Hamauzu’s vision for the company. By exhibiting masterpieces from designers like Virgil Abloh, Charlotte Perriand, and Pierre Jeanneret, the space reflects the brand's core focus on property as a gallery. These pieces serve as daily inspiration for the internal creative team.
7Harumi Lounge Functionality
The Harumi Lounge contains a 15-metre-long wooden table positioned beneath the high ceilings. Translucent curtains can be deployed on both sides of the table to provide acoustic and visual privacy from adjacent workstations. This setup creates a versatile environment suitable for both collaborative team meetings and quiet, focused individual work sessions.
8Industry Recognition
This project has been shortlisted in the large workplace interiors category for the 2026 Dezeen Awards. Beyond this office, Not a Hotel is currently collaborating with Nigo and Pharrell on a new Tokyo district. The firm continues to push boundaries, recently unveiling designs for a giant Poké Ball-themed guest room for travelers.