Star Micronics Co., Head Office 7th Floor Renovation Project

This is an office renovation project for Star Micronics, Head Office headquartered in Shizuoka City, whose purpose is to "contribute to the sustainable development of society as a 'great small and medium-sized enterprise' that challenges the world."
The seven-story Head Office was opened in 2018, with open offices on the first through sixth floors and a prestigious, confidential executive floor on the seventh floor.
Six years later, in 2024, in order to accommodate the increase in the number of employees and changes in working styles, it was decided to operate the 7th floor as office space. Based on the request, we collaborated with Kiuchi Construction, which is also Star Micronics' Prosperity Partner, to propose, design, and construction the new space, which reopened in February 2025.
The layout, which features a central courtyard on the floor, a 40-seat quiet work area on the east side, an active area for lively discussions on the west side, private executive offices on the south side, and an executive meeting room (normally part of the work area) on the north side, provides a sense of openness while maintaining a comfortable distance between people.

Six years have passed since the new office building opened in 2018, and issues such as an increase in the number of employees, low occupancy rates for the rooms on the 7th floor, and a lack of communication with other floors have become apparent, and the company requested a renovation plan to resolve these issues.

We proposed a space that encourages interaction between executives and general employees, and has the potential to foster innovation within the company. Although the executive offices and general work areas are adjacent, the design incorporates features that allow for relaxed interaction without direct confrontation.
The staggered arrangement of the private rooms, the two entrances, and the outdoor-like design of the corridors in front of the rooms create a welcoming atmosphere, much like a small, intimate shop.
STED (Star Micronics' internal communication space) on the west side, across the courtyard, can accommodate a wide range of uses, from casual meetings to presentations such as pitch contests utilizing audiovisual equipment, thereby revitalizing internal communication.
The space between the STED area on the west and the office area on the east is separated by a light-filled outdoor courtyard, but thanks to the use of full-height glass, new openings for passage, and innovative floor finishes, the three areas feel like one large, integrated space.
The executive meeting room was designed with transparency and openness in mind, allowing it to function as an extension of the work area during normal times, while also ensuring confidentiality and soundproofing when used for executive meetings. This was achieved through a flexible opening design.
By designing the entire 7th floor so that the view extends unobstructed, you can enjoy the surrounding scenery from every area.
We made the most of reusable materials, such as interiors finishes and furniture from before the renovation, contributing to sustainability.

The distance between executives and employees has become much closer, making it easier to discuss things with each other. The communication space has become a lively place, with more opportunities to give presentations on each project.