Rolls-Royce and Japanese Architect Kengo Kuma Collaborates in Creating the Bespoke Dawn

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and Kengo Kuma have ventured into bringing luxury automotive and architectural worlds, with the unveiling of a first-of-its-kind Bespoke Rolls-Royce Dawn.

The singular motor car will debut as a moving representation ‘The Kita’ located in central Tokyo. The new luxury residence which was designed by Kuma himself upon commission by global luxury property developer Westbank.

This Bespoke Dawn will be for exclusive use of the multi-level penthouse’s owner which is nestled atop a newly completed property in the central Kitasando neighbourhood. The penthouse is named after 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’ challenges the relationship between interior and exterior, with an open-top Dawn which was a natural canvas for the accompanying motor car. Interior-wise, it features an immersive private space unique from the outside world. 

It was crucial to ensure the vehicle reflected ‘The Kita’ in terms of material, colour palette, texture and ambience. This also allows the resident to have a seamless aesthetic and atmospheric transition from the property into the vehicle. 

The Dawn’s exterior is rendered in Silver Haze, a multi-faceted colour matching of the building’s core structural materials. Under the sun, it reveals a bronze sheen, similar to the bronze koshi screen on the building’s exterior. A sleek Silver hood and clean-cut Black coachline compliments the overall look of the vehicle. 

Bringing the interior and exterior together is the natural open-pore Royal Walnut panelling on the rear dock, which is an homage to the rich Walnut panelling of the towering penthouse entrance lobby. The cabin is fitted with Selby Grey leather, highlighted by Arctic White and Black accents which resonates with the residence’s flooring. 

Seen is also a stainless steel inlay of ‘The Kita’s’ logo, which is considered the most delicate example of an inlay produced. It is seen as a gesture of solidarity, with the great crafting skill used in the residence’s hand-finished stainless steel fittings. The same lattice motif is applied to the front headrests as well the waterfall between the rear seats, with the inclusion of a specially designed Bespoke clock and umbrella colour that reflects the 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. 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.” shared Kengo Kuma. 

Westbank founder, Ian Gillespie stated  “The Bespoke Dawn is a beautiful addition to our body of work. Kuma-san’s influence on the Rolls-Royce Dawn is the embodiment of the serenity and beauty he has created in ‘The Kita Tea House’, as an extension of that memory for the individual to enjoy.”