Cartier Japan has unveiled the wooden-fronted design of its new boutique in Shinsaibashi Plaza, Osaka. 

Featured by design magazine Deezen, the store was designed by Klein Dytham Architecture, housing a giant storefront made from hinoki, a species of cypress native to central Japan often used in Japan’s architecture, including temples, shrines, and traditional noh theatres. 

Spanning three sides of the Shinsaibashi intersection, the facade features a three-dimensional cubes pattern with LED lights installed inside, creating a distinctive light and shadow effect at night. The warm colour and wooden texture of the storefront helps Cartier Shinsaibashi stand out from the surrounding buildings. 

“Diffused by the box-like diamond of each section, the effect not only increases the three-dimensionality of the facade, but gives it an inviting warm glow,” the architect told Deezen. 

The architect said the geometric pattern was inspired by both classic Cartier jewellery and traditional Japanese sake boxes. The facade comprises more than 2500 units handcrafted by Kyoto master carpenters using traditional joinery techniques.

The studio also uses recycled aluminum to attach the panels to the facade structure.