FASHION /
WOMEN
April 22, 2015
BUILDING | Custom furniture shop open weekends only
BUILDING | BUILDING
Total consultation for renovations and interior design
Custom Furniture Shop "BUILDING"
Opened on June 12th this year in Shirokanedai, the custom furniture shop "BUILDING" offers original furniture with a minimalist design that is highly expandable and adaptable, alongside vintage pieces. They also provide a unique service where the store space can be used as a photo studio (rental space).
Photo by BUILDING
Original Furniture Dubbed "Fundamental Furniture"
Shirokanedai, a quiet residential area, bustles with people on weekends. Setting aside the keywords "celebrity" and "shiroganese" that once swept the nation, the backstreets just off the main Platinum Street are lined with discreetly hidden, highly-rated French and Italian restaurants. It is in this backstreet area of Shirokanedai that "BUILDING," a custom furniture shop, opens its doors exclusively on weekends.
The interior, with its mortar floors and pure white walls, is bathed in soft sunlight, where minimalist furniture crafted from solid ash wood is leisurely arranged. These original pieces, named "fundamental furniture," are constructed from standardized lumber. Any decorative design has been entirely eliminated; though the forms are simple, the structure and the rich textures of the materials themselves form a complete aesthetic. Upon closer inspection, one notices the exquisite finish. "The precision of the finish is directly proportional to the furniture's strength."—This conveys the owner's dedication and the meticulous craftsmanship of the artisans.
While "minimal" might suggest a disregard for functionality, BUILDING's furniture is designed with the realities of Tokyo's living spaces in mind, offering excellent usability. For example, the modular sofas in their lineup allow for various configurations by combining single-seater units. They are easy to move individually, enabling customers to rearrange sofa placements for guests or easily redecorate according to their mood. The accompanying cushions and seat fabrics can also be ordered in a preferred color.

Similarly, the dining tables are designed with two selectable leg settings to accommodate changes in living situations, such as moving house, or to adapt to a growing family by altering the number of chairs and layout. This is an idea born from the Tokyo lifestyle, where many families live in apartments. Naturally, the tabletop size can be specified upon ordering.
Furthermore, BUILDING does not sell small accessories or general goods. Only lighting and vintage furniture that can be coordinated with their original pieces are carefully selected. "We wanted to create a space where people could truly focus on the furniture." This sentiment is reflected in the store's display.
Beyond their original furniture, full custom orders are also possible, tailored to room dimensions and specific requests. As they also handle renovations and interior design, feel free to visit the store for a consultation.

With the Museum of Modern Japanese Gardens and parks nearby, such a quiet and verdant area is rare in Tokyo. Though it's a backstreet one might not normally pass through, discovering hidden gems is part of the charm. On a weekend afternoon, after a luxurious lunch, why not venture down a backstreet and consult about your interior design? It could be a wonderful way to spend your day off.
BUILDING
5-13-26 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 1F
Business Hours | 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM (Open Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays only)
*Please call to confirm if you wish to visit on a weekday.
Tel. 03-6450-3920
http://www.building-td.com

