The Bespoke Rolls-Royce Dawn family has just welcomed a new addition to its ranks this week, partnering with the visionary architect Kengo Kuma to create a stunning and contemporary concept. Kuma has been credited with designing structures such as the Japan National Stadium and the Nezu Museum and is known for his ‘Kita’ style, which challenges the relationship between interior and exterior. Using his vast experience, the architect sought to challenge himself by seeing if his expertise in designing buildings could also be applied to cars.
This one-of-a-kind creation was commissioned as a representation of the new multi-level luxury residence “The Kita Tea House”, and the Dawn’s design reflects its residence’s unique clarity of structure and a prevailing sense of calm.
The interior of the Dawn is accentuated with the sweeping contours of Selby Grey leather which are highlighted with white and black accents. Running the full width of the interior, the horizontal hombré transitions from Piano Selby Grey to Piano Black, a reflection of the blended and fluid nature of the building’s innovative and luxurious materials.
The exterior of the Dawn was done in Silver Haze, a multi-faceted colour that matches the silver-grey of the building’s own core structural materials. When illuminated by the sun, a beautiful bronze sheen is revealed, a warmth that reflects the Koshi screen louvers of the same colour on the exterior of the building as well as the bronze detailing on the interior. Keeping in line with his ‘Kita’ style, the interior and exterior of the vehicle is brought together by the warm, intimate feel of natural open-pore Royal Walnut panelling on the rear deck, a homage to the panelling of the penthouse entrance lobby.
Into the fascia is set a stainless steel inlay of ‘The Kita’s’ logo, the most delicate example of such an inlay that the Rolls-Royce Bespoke Collective has produced and a gesture of solidarity with the great skill that went into crafting the residence’s unique hand-finished stainless steel fittings. The same lattice motif is also applied in embroidery to the front headrests and the waterfall between the rear seats. Final touches include a specially designed Bespoke clock and Bespoke umbrellas colour matched to the interior, reflecting the discerning tastes of the architect.
“This is the first time I have consulted on a project of this kind and I am proud that I was able to do so for Rolls-Royce, a company with which I share a respect for traditional craftsmanship and a desire to bring out the best in natural materials.” shared Kengo Kuma. “Rolls-Royce has brought the essence of ‘The Kita’ into the car’s aesthetic, allowing the owner of ‘The Kita Tea House’ to take in their surrounding city environment. It is a great honour to see the car finally here at home in Tokyo.”