Rolls-Royce has revealed a new one-off model created in association with renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. The bespoke Rolls-Royce Dawn has been specially customized in a way to reflect the design philosophy behind the new luxury residence ‘The Kita’ in central Tokyo designed by Kengo Kuma. The one-off Rolls-Royce was commissioned for the exclusive use of the owner of the unique multi-level penthouse, ‘The Kita Tea House’. The penthouse gets its name for its rooftop tea house that offers stunning views of the Eternal Forest of the Meiji Shrine and Kengo Kuma’s reborn Japan National Stadium.
The one-off Dawn that was created by Rolls-Royce’s Bespoke personalization department features a special Silver Haze exterior finish which represents the building’s core structural materials. The multi-faceted paint reveals a bronze sheen under direct sunlight, which imitates the bronze Koshi screen louvers on the exterior of the building and the bronze detailing of the interior. The natural open-pore Royal Walnut paneling on the rear deck bridges the interior and exterior together and recreates the look of the rich Walnut paneling of the towering penthouse entrance lobby.
Inside the cabin, the Selby Grey leather interior is highlighted by Arctic White and Black accents and complemented with slate grey seatbelts. The front fascia features a gradated finish, which is the first application of its kind for Rolls-Royce. The horizontal ombré transitions from Piano Selby Grey to Piano Black, creating a unique effect. The fascia also gets 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. The motif can also be found embroidered to the front headrests and the waterfall between the rear seats. Additionally, the one-off Rolls-Royce Dawn comes with a specially designed Bespoke clock and Bespoke umbrellas color-matched to the interior.
“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”, said 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 honor to see the car finally here at home in Tokyo.”
