Mazda Showroom by Suppose Design Office pairs streamlined glazing with wood
Japanese firm Suppose Design Office has completed a car showroom near Tokyo, featuring a simple wooden facade and a glazed wall that fades from black to transparent (+ slideshow).
![Mazda Showroom by Supose Design Office](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/03/Mazda-Showroom_Supose-Design-Office_dezeen_468_15-e1426176522633.jpg)
Automotive brand Mazda, which this year relaunched its iconic MX-5 sports car, asked Suppose Design Office to create a new showroom on an awkwardly shaped site in Meguro, south of the Japanese capital.
![Mazda Showroom by Supose Design Office](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/03/Mazda-Showroom_Supose-Design-Office_dezeen_468_16.jpg)
The architects saw the jagged site edge as an opportunity to create a long wall of streamlined glazing – providing plenty of space for displaying the brand's cars to passing drivers.
![Mazda Showroom by Supose Design Office](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/03/Mazda-Showroom_Supose-Design-Office_dezeen_468_17.jpg)
This contrasts with the rectangular wooden facade at the south-west end of the building.
![Mazda Showroom by Supose Design Office](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/03/Mazda-Showroom_Supose-Design-Office_dezeen_468_9.jpg)
"By understanding the site as not only irregularly shaped but as having a long road boundary line, we proposed a plan that has a long facade line, to make as many customers visit as possible," said Suppose Design Office.
![Mazda Showroom by Supose Design Office](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/03/Mazda-Showroom_Supose-Design-Office_dezeen_468_18.jpg)
"Sharpness and softness exist together with the modern design of the black glass and the tenderness of the wooden materials," said the firm.
![Mazda Showroom by Supose Design Office](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/03/Mazda-Showroom_Supose-Design-Office_dezeen_468_2.jpg)
A black gradient was applied to the glazing so that it fades from opaque to transparent, helping to draw more attention to the cars on display inside.
![Mazda Showroom by Supose Design Office](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/03/Mazda-Showroom_Supose-Design-Office_dezeen_468_14.jpg)
A box made out of sheet metal provides the main entrance to the building for pedestrians. Inside, a spiral staircase leads visitors up from the reception to the main showroom floor – an open-plan space interspersed with groups of chairs and tables.
![Mazda Showroom by Supose Design Office](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/03/Mazda-Showroom_Supose-Design-Office_dezeen_468_12.jpg)
"Some customers may feel that the building is like a cafe, while some may feel that it is surely a showroom," said the firm. "The place is not only for customers who are deeply interested in the cars, but also for new customers."
![Mazda Showroom by Supose Design Office](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/03/Mazda-Showroom_Supose-Design-Office_dezeen_468_10.jpg)
Most of the ground floor of the building is exposed to the elements, although sheltered beneath the roof canopy. It includes parking spaces for visitors and a compact car wash.
![Mazda Showroom by Supose Design Office](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/03/Mazda-Showroom_Supose-Design-Office_dezeen_468_3.jpg)
An industrial elevator allows cars to be easily transported up to the showroom floor, or down to a basement offering facilities for servicing and repairs. An open-air lightwell runs along the back of this space, helping to bring in daylight and ventilation.
![Mazda Showroom by Supose Design Office](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/03/Mazda-Showroom_Supose-Design-Office_dezeen_468_6.jpg)
"The garage is not like a conventional garage," added the firm. "It is more bright and expansive, even though it is underground."
![Mazda Showroom by Supose Design Office](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/03/Mazda-Showroom_Supose-Design-Office_dezeen_468_1.jpg)
Suppose Design Office is led by architects Makoto Tanijiri and Ai Yoshida. Other recent projects by the office include a cycling centre with a hotel that allows guests to check-in while still on their bikes and a translucent polycarbonate house.
![Mazda Showroom by Supose Design Office](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/03/Mazda-Showroom_Supose-Design-Office_dezeen_468_8.jpg)
Photography is by Toshiyuki Yano.
Project credits:
Architect: Suppose Design Office
Constructor: Fujita Corporation
Furniture: E&Y Co
Lighting plan: MAXRAY
Planting plan: DAISHIZEN
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