interior/furniture
JP - EN
MAKING SPACES
I believe washi gives a subtle presence to the space as a material that allows an object or a person to be the protagonist. As the light hits the surface of washi, it reflects back and softens the boundaries between the wall and the space.
Many of our clients mention that they were initially worried about ruining the material but after a while they realise how durable washi is. For over a century, people in Japan have continued to use washi for everyday home furnishing. Nowadays, handmade paper has disappeared from our daily lives thus people have forgotten how washi was part of the everyday. After all, washi is made from fibres of a tree, which is the inner layer of a tree bark that has been carefully removed from the outer layer.
During the paper making process, we use soda ash to remove bitterness of the kozo (mulberry) and either choose to mix pigment and soil, or use 100% kozo fibres, depending on the uses. Every set of washi is made specific to each space including residential, restaurants, hotels and galleries. We work around 50 different spaces per year, and we hope to continue sharing the durability and flexibility of washi. All paper can be manufactured as non-flammable upon request.
A GUIDE TO MAKING SPACES
1. Initial meeting (site visits if necessary)
2. Design proposal
3. Outsource architect/interior designer if necessary
We can also provide assistance through our design division, "Gogo Niji design studio".
Should we be unable to assist due to scheduling constraints,
we will introduce you to architects across the country who understand our work, and we will collaborate with them to develop the best approach.
4. Final design (additional meetings and production of floor plans are required when working with architects/interior designers)
5. Estimates
6. Production of original washi made specific to the space
7. Siteworks
8. Project delivery
1. Initial meeting / design proposal (review of the floor plans)
2. Meeting on-site (through discussions, we make suggestions based on our experiences and knowledge)
3. Final design
4. Estimates
5. Production of original washi made specific to the space
6. Siteworks
7. Project delivery
SITEWORK FEES
Walls & ceiling
Walls & ceiling
We use pigment & soil mixed washi, ideal for walls / ceiling such as residentials and large spaces. The surface of washi is made to resist water and can be cleaned using wet cloths. Waterproof coating is available for more durability with additional 1,000 JPY per sq m. The paper can be manufactured as non-flammable.
Price per sq m: 11,000 JPY
Painted walls & ceiling
Ideal for featuring unique walls and ceiling, washi is painted after applying onto the surface. The paper is made to resist water and can be cleaned using wet cloths. Waterproof coating is available for more durability with additional 1,000 JPY per sq m. The paper can be manufactured as non-flammable.
Price per sq m: 18,000 JPY
Art wall
A wall is treated as a canvas to create one of a kind walls, suitable for a specific backdrop such as an entrance hall. The surface of washi is made to resist water and can be cleaned using wet cloths. Waterproof coating is available for more durability with additional 1,000 JPY per sq m. The paper can be manufactured as non-flammable.
Price per sq m: 20,000 JPY
Flooring & furniture pieces
Double layers of 100% kozo washi is applied for durability, then painted and/or coated with food-safe finishes. Ideal for restaurant counters and hotel guest room floors. It can be easily hoovered or cleaned using wet cloths. The paper can be manufactured as non-flammable.
Price per sq m: 20,000 JPY
Expenses
Please note there are other expenses in addition to siteworks, such as paint tools, dispose of waste, meetings and accommodation/travel if necessary.
Maintenance & repairs
We have had many enquiries regarding maintenance and durability of washi. Washi is a natural material which could be worn out eventually over time through frequent uses and level of humidity causing to peel or rip. However, most repairs can be done easily by the client themselves or we can proceed repairs with additional cost depending on how the paper was originally applied.
Cleaning & stain removal
The surface of washi is coated with konnyaku paste (a natural plant starch), persimmon tannin (fermented persimmon juice) and/or wood oil therefore it can be cleaned easily using a wet cloth. For stubborn stains that cannot be removed, it can be repaired by re-applying the same washi used originally (we will leave some leftover washi at the end of the siteworks for you to keep it safe) or re-paint the surface. For restaurants and hotels, we recommend coating with waterproof finishes.
Peels & rips
Most peels and rips can be repaired simply by using adhesives (wood glue, plant-based starch glue or glue stick). Make sure to wipe any excessive glue off the surface. For tables and floors, areas that are frequently used could worn out eventually by peeling or colours fading away. Again, it can be repaired by applying the same washi used originally or re-paint the surface.