The Ikoi Showroom is a stunning example of innovative Japanese architecture. See how using Real Cedar helped create this landmark. 

“Cedar siding creates warmth and makes a big impact.” – Keisuke Shoji, Architect.

If you’re a high-end developer looking to attract more clients by highlighting your ingenuity and craftsmanship, not just any showroom will do. That’s why residential and commercial builder, SHOWA GROUP, hired Shoji Keisuke Atelier (SA) to design its showroom. The award-winning architect firm knew the facade was key to making an impact on potential customers.

“I expended so much energy on eaves and wall angles and took a process of trial and error on making perfect patterns for the exterior appearance,” explains Shoji Keisuke, lead architect at SA.

Contemporary Japanese Siding Applications

He tempered these sharp modern lines with the rich tonal range of Western Red Cedar siding. The result is a truly striking street entrance that leaves all passersby awe-struck. And creating architecture that stands out in a city of ancient temples, avantgarde storefronts and cherry blossom parks is no easy feat.

But Keisuke is no stranger to the visual power of Real Cedar siding in contemporary design.

“We have used Western Red Cedar several times in the past,” says Keisuke. “We believe Western Red Cedar is irreplaceable as an exterior material.

The client couldn’t agree more. They were on board from the beginning.

“When I proposed the design to the client, they liked it right away,” he recalls. “They hoped to have a high-impact showroom that no one has ever seen before in Kakogawa.

“And I believe that’s what we delivered,” continues Keisuke. “The showroom has become more than a place for just meetings. Instead, it’s a place for people to feel comfortable and experience the warmth of wood. The client’s so happy with the completed building, they’ve gone as far as saying, ‘it’s going to be new landmark in the city.’”

Creating Legacy Buildings through Innovative Design

That’s not all. But because they chose top-performing Real Cedar for the building’s most talked about design feature, the Ikoi Showroom will remain a beacon of innovative architecture for decades to come – making it somewhat of a legacy project for both architect and client.

WRC Specifications 

Grade: KD Clear, Mixed grain