Kii designs SR Ice Cream Miyakojima with limestone counter and melting stools

Japanese architecture studio Kii has completed SR Ice Cream Miyakojima, an ice cream shop and cafe on Miyakojima Island in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. The interior features a pink curved ceiling, a counter made from local Ryukyu limestone, and perforated concrete tiles by Tajimi Tiles. The design responds to the island's subtropical oceanic climate, with materials chosen for weather resistance. The centerpiece is a large rounded counter with a lime plaster tabletop, crafted with an Okinawan plaster specialist. The counter's surface is built from rounded lumps of limestone clay applied one piece at a time, creating a layered finish. A playful arched door in the counter provides access for filter maintenance. The pink ceiling was selected after on-site testing to harmonize with the dramatic shifts in natural light. The shop also includes cushions woven from native Cogon grass and colorful glazed stools by NOTA shop in Shigaraki, designed to resemble melting ice cream. Kii co-founders Satoshi Arai and Kei Nakatomi aimed to create a welcoming community space for locals, new arrivals, and tourists. The shop is located on the ground floor of an ocean-side commercial development. Photography by Masanori Kaneshita.