In a collaboration that bridges the luxury automotive and architectural worlds, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and Japanese architect Kengo Kuma have unveiled a first-of-its-kind Bespoke Rolls-Royce Dawn. Designed by Kuma upon commission by global luxury property developer Westbank, the singular motor car will debut as a moving representation of the new luxury residence “The Kita” in central Tokyo.
The car was created for the exclusive use of the owner of the unique multi-level penthouse, “The Kita Tea House”, located atop the newly completed property in the Kitasando neighbourhood.
“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 in a statement. “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.”
The Rolls-Royce Bespoke Collective worked in consultation with Kuma and Westbank to ensure that the interior and exterior design reflected “The Kita” in terms of materials, colour palette, texture and ambience.
The exterior of the Dawn is rendered in Silver Haze, mirroring the silver-grey of the building’s core structure materials. When illuminated by the sun, it gently reveals an arresting bronze sheen that reflects the bronze koshi screen louvers on the exterior of the building, as well as the bronze detailing of the interior. It’s finished with a sleek Silver hood and clean-cut Black coachline. The interior and exterior is tied together with the intimate feel of natural open-pore Royal Walnut panelling on the rear deck – inspired by the rich Walnut panelling of the penthouse entrance lobby.
On the inside, the contours of the Selby Grey leather interior are given Arctic White and Black accents, with seatbelts in Slate Grey. The finish of the front fascia is gradated – marking the first application of its kind for the carmaker. As you run the full width of the interior, the horizontal ombré transitions from Piano Selby Grey to Piano Black.
A stainless steel inlay of “The Kita”’s logo can be found set into the fascia, a tribute to the skill that went into crafting the residence’s unique hand-finished stainless steel fittings The front headrests and the waterfall between the rear seats feature the same lattice motif applied in embroidery. For the final touches, a specially designed Bespoke clock and Bespoke umbrellas colour-matched to the interior reflect the discerning tastes of Kengo Kuma.
“It was an honour to collaborate with Kengo Kuma to create a serene and timeless motor car for a serene and timeless building. From the inception of the marque over 100 years ago, Rolls-Royce has transcended the automotive field, taking the tangible entity of a car and delivering its patrons the intangible: a truly unique experience. As this project demonstrates, through the authentic application of unique designs and materials, we can provide rare sensory experiences that reflect and enhance our owners’ multi-faceted lifestyles,” said Gavin Hartley, Head of Bespoke Design at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.
Photos: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
