Cartier’s golden façade by KDa
Klein Dytham architecture (KDa) designed Cartier’s façade in a luxurious area in Shinsaibashi, Osaka, where Cartier neighbours Burberry, Nike and Apple. The façade is a 3D golden wood, lighting up the commercial corner.



Klein Dytham architecture (KDa) designed Cartier’s façade in a luxurious area in Shinsaibashi, Osaka, where Cartier neighbours Burberry, Nike and Apple. The façade is a 3D golden wood, lighting up the commercial corner.
In order to align with Cartier’s responsible jewelry making, KDa used renewable and recycled materials and commissioned local artisans. KDa went with recycled aluminum and a Japanese cypress named hinoki. That way, traditional fuses with modern.
One thing Japan and Cartier have in common is prioritizing craftsmanship. Both parties also combined their aesthetic: the interwoven diamond shaped façade reflected the jeweler’s classic design and the country’s sake boxes. Carpenters from Kyoto applied their joinery methods for 2,500units of hinoki.
First the aluminum base was laid down and the hinoki on top of it, to have a robust and weather resistant surface. Add to that a lacquer that makes it water and UV resistant. During the day, the sunlight hugs the wood and magnifies hinoki’s charm. Nighttime shoppers can't help but love how the diamonds light up with LEDs. Feast your eyes on the glowing front designed by ICE!
- date publishedAugust 4, 2021
- categoryArchitecture
- original sourceArchdaily↗