aretosore

Located along a shopping street in Sanjō, Niigata, this small baked-goods shop occupies a compact two-story building with a total floor area of just 21.8 m². On the ground floor, baked treats are displayed alongside an eight-seat counter where the shop can also operate as a café. Upstairs, a fully equipped kitchen is arranged to produce around 20 varieties of baked goods each day on a rotating menu. Given the shop’s modest scale, the design focuses on the sense of proximity between the owner, customers, and the pastries themselves. Circulation, fixture dimensions, and sightlines were refined down to the millimeter to create an experience that feels both intimate and comfortable. To highlight the character of the shop’s baked goods—infused with “this and that (aretosore),” as suggested by its name—the interior palette was intentionally kept minimal, forming a calm and cohesive backdrop. With a restrained material composition, the space allows the pastries to take center stage. The stairwell, finished in a silver tone that appears to float, draws daylight down to the shop below, creating a sense of openness within its compact interior. At the top of the stairs, a small window offers a glimpse into the kitchen, serving as a subtle device that sparks curiosity for everyone who visits.