Nestled in the dynamic business district of Yaesu, which has evolved from a historic logistics hub in the Edo era to one of the most promising redevelopment areas in Japan, Yanmar Tokyo not only bridges the bustling Tokyo Station and the vibrant Yaesu area but also serves as a global branding hub for Yanmar, a leader in technology for food production and energy conversion. The building’s façade, facing Tokyo Station, features pipe louvres that evoke the image of a ship setting sail. The ground-level façade mimics the bow of a ship, while the upper levels resemble a sail. This bold design prioritises purity, symbolism and autonomy, perfectly aligning with the site’s corner location and the intersection it faces. The design draws inspiration from Yaesu’s history as a canal-based logistics hub and Yanmar’s maritime heritage, creating a powerful and iconic statement.
The building’s south exterior wall boasts an impressive 800-square metre pipe louvre greening system, visible from the office’s common areas and neighbouring buildings. This green wall, along with the three-storey atrium’s hydroponic louvered greenery, creates a biophilic public space – a rarity in the vicinity of Tokyo Station. The atrium’s circadian LED lighting changes colour temperature throughout the day, enhancing the natural environment and encouraging people to linger in this bustling urban oasis. Natural materials like wood flooring and ceiling louvres further emphasise Yanmar’s connection to the earth.
Reflecting Yanmar’s deep appreciation for rice farming in Japan, the building features a gallery on the first floor and a restaurant on the second floor, which both highlight rice and agriculture. The atrium’s continuous bustling atmosphere, which carries from the basement to the second floor, serves as a vibrant expression of the Yanmar brand. The entrance and elevator hall on the B1 floor offer views of the atrium, allowing employees to experience the dynamic light effects and activities as they enter and leave the office.
Yanmar Tokyo is a living showroom, incorporating a wide range of energy-saving and high-efficiency Yanmar products. The building features a cogeneration system using gas engine generators and a radiant heating and cooling system with high-efficiency gas heat pump air conditioners, achieving high BCP and environmental performance. Advanced technologies for disaster prevention, environmental sustainability and living comfort include mid-storey seismic isolation for office floors, a public plaza on the B1 floor for temporary evacuation, wall solar panels, wind power generation and a natural ventilation system with a perforated panel ceiling.
The Yanmar Tokyo office incorporates elements that reflect both the historical significance and the cutting-edge advancements of its surroundings. This architectural achievement sets a new standard for office buildings in front of Tokyo Station, embodying the spirit of innovation and environmental consciousness.
