Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has collaborated with world renowned Japanese architect, Kengo Kuma, to unveiled a first-of-its-kind Bespoke Rolls-Royce Dawn. The singular motor car will debut as a moving representation of the new luxury residence ‘The Kita’ in central Tokyo, designed by Kengo Kuma upon commission by global luxury property developer Westbank.
The Bespoke Dawn was created for the exclusive use of the owner of the unique multi-level penthouse, ‘The Kita Tea House’, which sits atop the newly completed property in the tranquil yet central Kitasando neighbourhood. The penthouse is so named for its rooftop tea house which is framed by views of the Eternal Forest of the Meiji Shrine and Kengo Kuma’s reborn Japan National Stadium.
‘The Kita’ shows a unique relationship between interior and exterior as the open-top Dawn was therefore a natural canvas for the accompanying motor car. The overriding aim for Dawn’s styling was one of Japanese delicacy with a sense of precision seen in the clean lines of the building, creating a clarity of structure with a prevailing sense of calm, the design’s depth revealing itself softly and subtly. At the same time, both car and residence have a strong visual identity and a generosity of proportion that breaks Japanese norms: deceptively neutral yet deeply atmospheric; inherently practical, yet extremely comfortable.
The Kita’s exterior comes in special Silver Haze colour, which is a multi-faceted colour that speaks of the silver-grey of the building’s core structural materials. It is finished with a sleek Silver hood and clean-cut Black coachline. Last but not least, a Royal Walnut panelling on the rear deck which is a nod to the rich Walnut panelling of the towering penthouse entrance lobby.
For the interior, it has a sweeping contours of the Selby Grey leather interior are highlighted by Arctic White and Black accents, with seatbelts in Slate Grey. The finish of the front fascia is gradated which makes it a first application of its kind for Rolls-Royce. The horizontal ombré also can transition from Piano Selby Grey to Piano Black.
Rolls-Royce also claimed the fascia is set a stainless steel inlay of ‘The Kita’s’ logo, making it one of the most delicate example that Rolls-Royce Bespoke Collective has produced. The same lattice motif is 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.