Natural stone and brushed steel feature in the first signature store in the northern Japanese city of Sapporo for Australia’s Aesop skincare brand.

The Aesop Japan store was designed in collaboration with Japanese architect Case-Real under the leadership of Koichi Futatsumata. It is an essay on the duality of Hokkaido’s snow-covered urban and rural landscapes, using local natural materials juxtaposed with rough and smooth finishes to represent the harsh and soft sides of the environment.

Spanning 49 sqm in the Stellar Place shopping centre, the store has a corner tenancy, with a dividing unit anchoring the angle and demarcating the experience beyond. This piece, as well as the walls, point-of-sale and pillar, is made from Sapporo freestone, mined in the city’s south. The light-grey stone is either buffed smooth or left rough-cut, offering points of textural contrast.

Stainless steel with a vibration finish accents countertops and shelving. The matte silvery gleam of the brushed metal gives a frosty tactility and echoes the shimmer of snow. Mortar flooring harmonises the overall palette, maintaining a tonal consistency.

Established in Melbourne in 1987, Aesop follows its objective to formulate fine-quality skin, hair and bodycare products. The brand has stores in many parts of the world, including Hong Kong, London, New York, Paris and Tokyo.