Milbon Office and Studio

Milbon is a leading manufacturer of hair care products, specializing in professional-use items for hair salons. One of its defining characteristics is its commitment to going beyond simple product supply. Through continuous dialogue with hairstylists, Milbon actively incorporates on-the-ground feedback into its product development process.

The new Milbon Office and Studio in Kanazawa transforms the company’s philosophy of co‑creation into a spatial experience rooted in the cultural identity of Kanazawa city. Conceived as both workplace and cultural hub, it fosters an environment where regional craft, professional dialogue, and creative exchange naturally intersect.

Drawing inspiration from Kanazawa’s samurai‑era urban fabric, the design reinterprets the spatial rhythm of machiya townhouses—typologies shaped through centuries of rebuilding and refinement. Their characteristic depth, layered progression, and a modular grid become a contemporary framework that balances cultural continuity with future adaptability. A tooriniwa (traditional entrance hallway)‑like entrance establishes a ceremonial sense of arrival, while hashirama(traditional intercolumnar shelf)‑inspired fixtures, shoji (traditional sliding partition)‑patterned details, and grid‑based planning translate local vernacular into purposeful, modern elements.

Flexibility is embedded throughout: shelving transforms into seating, rooms expand or contract, and the standardized grid enables the space to evolve alongside Milbon’s programs and partnerships. Subtle gestures—such as chigaidana (traditional asymmetrical shelf)‑inspired shelving—anchor the project in regional memory while supporting forward‑looking collaboration.

The result is an adaptable, culturally grounded environment that positions Milbon, Kanazawa hairstylists, and the broader community to grow together.