Well eeled: Traditional Unagi shop redesigned

Yanagawa, Japan – Japanese architect Toru Shimokawa of STAD has reconstructed a traditional eel store, first established 100 years ago.

In a reference to the charcoal traditionally used to grill eels, the Unagi store features burnt and carbonised cedar on the outside and inside walls. A pared-down aesthetic in colours such as black and white contrasts with an industrial feel from the steel pipes, cement floor and a blue neon sign.

For more on how a reference to heritage can add to the overall experience of a shop, read our Luxury market report.