LAMINAM FOR THE TAKAOSANGUCHI RAILWAY STATION DESIGNED BY KENGO KUMA

2015 Takaosanguchi Station, Tokyo/Japan Design: Kengo Kuma and Associates + Oxide Moro 1000x3000 mm Laminam 3+

Mount Takao is completely permeated by nature, yet just one hour away from the centre of Tokyo. Considered a sacred location, and with the Yakuo-in Temple on the mountainside, it is a destination for both pilgrimage and mere tourism owing to its seven natural themed trails. The stop for the mountain, taking the high-speed train from Tokyo, is Takaosanguchi railway station. Both the façade and inside of the station have seen a recent redesign, due to the high numbers of tourists, at the hands of Japan’s most internationally famous architect: Kengo Kuma.

The architect gave special consideration to natural materials in this refurbishment, capable of harmonious integration with the setting of and landscape surrounding the Station. On the one hand, wood was adopted to create the great canopy that is the façade, as though representing the boundary of the sacred and the profane, a point of encounter between the modernity of the railway and unspoilt nature of the Mountain. On the other hand, the interior coverings were produced using Laminam ceramic slabs, pure porcelain stoneware that’s inherently hygienic and highly resistant to scratches, impact and abrasion.

The walls for the lower ground floor leading to the platforms and the stairs were coated with 3+ thick 1000×3000 mm slabs from the Oxide series, in the Moro colour. Oxide was made to add value to environments, recreating the effect of oxidised metal to generate brand-new and sophisticated three-dimensional effects.

Laminam ceramic slab properties:

• Resistant to scratches and deep abrasion

• Resistant to mildew and fungi

• Resistant to stains

• Resistant to chemicals

• Resistant to UV rays

• Intrinsic hygienic quality

• Low maintenance and easy cleaning