Kengo Kuma designs a hot spring hotel on the Japanese island of Kyushu

The Ace Hotel in Kyoto, Japan, set to open in spring, is drawing attention for its unique design and thoughtful amenities. This project is a collaboration between Ace Hotel's longtime partner Commune Design and local architect Kengo Kuma, known for his work on the 2020 Tokyo Olympic stadium. The hotel aims to blend traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern luxury, offering a fresh perspective on hotel room design. The guest rooms in the Ace Hotel Kyoto feature standard luxury elements such as minibars, lounges, and spacious vanities, but elevate them with distinct Japanese-inspired touches. These include tatami mattresses, Tivoli radios, and original artworks from local artists. A particular focus has been placed on optimizing storage solutions, ensuring both functionality and aesthetic appeal within the rooms. One of the standout design elements is the enhanced medicine cabinets in the bathrooms. Unlike typical apartment fixtures, these cabinets are crafted from tamo wood, a local wood similar to western American ash. They feature a sliding door at the bottom, which allows for discreet storage of everyday items while also providing an opportunity to display more visually appealing bottles or decorative elements. For rooms with double vanities, a column of integrated niches offers convenient storage for shared toiletries, addressing a common organizational challenge for couples. Another innovative feature is the multipurpose sofa bed, a simplified version inspired by traditional Japanese futon seating. This design addresses the common issue of cumbersome sofa beds in hotel rooms. The bolster cushion of this sofa doubles as a blanket, making it easy for guests to convert it for a quick nap or additional sleeping space without a complex unfolding process. This thoughtful detail emphasizes ease of use and comfort. Furthermore, the hotel reinterprets the room divider in its Historic guest rooms. Instead of conventional solid walls or partitions, perforated black shades are used. These shades can be rolled down to a desk partition, effectively dividing a large, open room into distinct, more private zones. This design choice offers flexibility in space usage and creates a sense of seclusion within the larger room, providing guests with a 'haven within a haven.' The overall design philosophy focuses on creating an experience that encourages guests to fully enjoy their hotel stay, making the room an integral part of their travel experience. #AceHotelKyoto #HotelDesign #JapaneseAesthetics #KengoKuma #CommuneDesign #LuxuryTravel #InteriorDesign #BathroomDesign #Kyoto

Kubo Tsushima Architects has designed two distinct hotel rooms within a boutique hotel in Kyoto, Japan, focusing on creating unique and memorable guest experiences through integrated design elements. The first room, Room 103, nicknamed 'Moon Phases,' addresses the challenge of a narrow window by featuring a circular light fixture carved into the wall. This fixture is designed to mimic the phases of the moon, transitioning from a full moon to a crescent as the room's lights are dimmed. This interactive lighting aims to connect guests with the natural rhythm of lunar cycles, drawing a parallel between the moon's influence on tides and its perceived impact on human emotions and the body, a concept highlighted by the architects given the body's high water content. The design of Room 103 further enhances a sense of seclusion and comfort by incorporating rounded junctions between the walls and ceiling, creating a soft, enveloping environment. The second room, Room 401, is themed 'Morning Dawn' and is situated on the fourth floor, offering expansive views of the city through a large window. For this space, the architects sought to evoke the serene atmosphere of an early morning dawn shrouded in mist. This is achieved through a deliberate use of color and form: a green carpet covers the floor, symbolizing a grassy plain, and extends upwards onto the walls with a gradient paint scheme that shifts from green to white. This artistic transition blurs the lines between floor and wall, immersing guests in the sensation of being surrounded by a field. The room's architecture emphasizes soft, continuous surfaces, with rounded walls concealing structural elements like columns and beams. Indirect lighting is strategically placed in a slit between the ceiling and walls, designed to replicate the gentle, sharp light of the rising sun. This combination of diffused lighting, gradient colors, and rounded forms creates a hazy, undefined space, offering a quiet and contemplative experience reminiscent of a deeply foggy, pure morning. Both rooms, totaling 51.81 sqm for Room 103 and 50.39 sqm for Room 401, were completed in December 2019 and showcase Kubo Tsushima Architects' innovative approach to interior design, using natural phenomena as inspiration to craft immersive and experiential hotel environments at The Screen Hotel in Kyoto. #HotelDesign #InteriorArchitecture #ExperientialDesign #LightingDesign #JapaneseArchitecture #KuboTsushimaArchitects #TheScreenHotel #Kyoto

In Japan, where Zen principles rooted in ancient Shinto rituals and Buddhist meditations deeply influence daily life, interior design reflects these philosophies through an emphasis on balance, minimalism, and harmony. This approach often manifests in Japanese homes designed to evoke equanimity, calmness, and freedom from excess. The aesthetic is characterized by a timeless beauty, frequently incorporating a basic color palette of light and soft earth tones. Furniture typically features clean lines and sharp angles, often finished with unvarnished cedar wood. This article highlights seven modern Japanese hotels that embody these Zen-inspired design principles, offering travelers an opportunity to experience peace and serenity. The first featured hotel, Amanemu, is located in Iseshima's tranquil Ise-Shima National Park on Honshu Island. It provides suites and villas equipped with spacious outdoor decks and traditional onsen baths, aligning with the concept of integrating nature and relaxation. Next, Zaborin in Hokkaido is nestled within forests and meadows, close to premier ski slopes. Its 15 villas each boast indoor and outdoor traditional Japanese baths, fed by natural volcanic spring water, emphasizing a deep connection to the natural environment. The House of Finn Juhl, situated in the ski town of Hakuba in Nagano, presents a unique fusion of Danish and Japanese design sensibilities. This hotel is entirely furnished with pieces by Danish master Finn Juhl, demonstrating how distinct design traditions can converge harmoniously. Shimaya Stays in Kyoto offers a contemporary take on traditional Japanese living. Two historic townhouses, over a century old, have been meticulously restored and transformed into modern, clean-lined serviced apartments, preserving their heritage while providing modern comforts. Sotoyama Jujo, located in Minami-Uonuma, a mere two-hour train ride from Tokyo, is a countryside hotel that blends natural elements with sophisticated design. It features cypress and cedar wood floors, an outdoor bathtub, stunning mountain views, and furniture by renowned designers such as Arne Jacobsen, Hans Wegner, and Isamu Noguchi. Hoshinoya Tokyo, opened in 2016, offers a contemporary interpretation of traditional Japanese ryokans within a 17-floor structure. Its rooms and public areas are designed with tatami mats, creating an authentic Japanese ambiance. Finally, Hotel Kanra in Kyoto provides modern rooms inspired by "machiyas," which are traditional wooden townhouse homes characteristic of Kyoto. These rooms include tatami beds and aromatic cypress bathtubs, offering guests a sensory experience that reflects local traditions. Each of these hotels showcases how modern Japanese hospitality integrates Zen principles and traditional aesthetics to create environments of profound tranquility and beauty, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in a peaceful retreat. #JapaneseHotels #ZenDesign #MinimalistInteriors #JapaneseArchitecture #LuxuryTravel #OnsenBaths #RyokanExperience #KyotoHotels #HokkaidoHotels

Aman Kyoto, the latest addition to the Aman group and the final project designed by the late Australian architect Kerry Hill, offers a unique luxury experience nestled within a 24,000 sqm forested estate in Kyoto. Unlike typical luxury resorts that aim to impress with opulent displays, Aman Kyoto emphasizes integration with its natural surroundings, making its architectural design almost invisible. Hill's deep appreciation for the garden, which he discovered 20 years prior and advocated for as the sole location for Aman Kyoto, guided this design philosophy. The resort's structures, including the restaurant, spa, and guest rooms, are uniformly clad in dark wood strips, enabling them to blend seamlessly with the dense foliage and shifting patterns of light and shadow. Upon entering the expansive rooms, which are approximately 60 sqm, guests find no overt decorative elements. Instead, floor-to-ceiling panels direct attention to the natural beauty outside, fostering a connection with the surrounding environment of cedar, cypress, camellia, and Japanese maple trees that change with the seasons. The understated approach extends to the amenities; while prices begin at around S$2,500 per night (excluding breakfast), the luxury is found in meticulously curated details such as marshmallow-soft chenille bathrobes by Ploh and Hinoki wood bathtubs that diffuse a calming fragrance when filled with warm water. This form of luxury is characterized by exclusivity and a deeply immersive cultural experience. The resort prides itself on bringing the essence of Kyoto to its guests, eliminating the need to venture outside. The spa features traditional onsen bathing facilities and treatments utilizing local ingredients like Kyoto green tea, tamba kuromame, local sake, and cold-pressed tsubaki oil. The signature 90-minute Aman Kyoto treatment begins with a hot spring soak, followed by a foot soak with ceremonial sake and 24k gold leaves, a sea-salt scrub blended with detoxifying matcha powder, and a breathing exercise with seasonal essential oils. A relaxing shiatsu massage concludes with freshly brewed green tea, selected by a local tea master, and Japanese-inspired sweets such as warabi mochi or fresh persimmon with vegan chocolate. The culinary experience at the Living Pavilion, led by executive chef Kentaro Torii, is a tribute to regional ingredients. Chef Torii, who meticulously sourced local produce for months, presents a wide repertoire that blends contemporary European degustation with Japanese nuances. Dishes might include jackfish carpaccio with mountain herbs, yuzu, and bottarga, or caramelised Ohmi wagyu from Shiga prefecture. The resort also offers rare heritage produce, such as hyotan pickles, intensely umami soy sauce from a local family brewer, and sansho berries harvested from the resort's own hills. Beyond the tangible, Aman Kyoto offers a profound sense of peace and a return to nature. Situated in a historic neighborhood known for its artistic community, the garden provides a Zen-like calm. Uneven stone paths invite barefoot exploration of the mossy grounds, and trails through the hills offer opportunities for quiet contemplation amidst birdsong and butterflies. The resort fosters a deep, restorative sleep, with guests falling asleep to forest views bathed in moonlight and the sounds of cicadas. In a world of increasing sensory overload, Aman Kyoto provides a sanctuary that offers what is truly needed: tranquility and an immersive connection to nature and culture, leaving guests thoroughly impressed by its subtle yet profound impact. #AmanKyoto #LuxuryResort #OnsenRyokan #KerryHillArchitects #JapaneseDesign #KyotoTravel #ZenExperience #UnderstatedLuxury #ArchitecturalIntegration

Ryo Kan MX, a boutique hotel in Mexico City, offers a tranquil escape designed to emulate traditional Japanese countryside inns, known as ryokans. Situated near one of Mexico City’s prominent avenues, this establishment distinguishes itself with its serene atmosphere and unique architectural and interior design. The hotel features an origami-inspired sculptural facade and houses only 10 rooms, each embodying a blend of Japanese aesthetics and Mexican craftsmanship. The design of Ryo Kan MX was spearheaded by architect Regina Galvanduque of GLVDK Studio, who oversaw not only the architectural framework but also the interior decor, art selection, branding, and even the tableware. The overarching design philosophy emphasizes the integration of Japanese hospitality principles with local Mexican materials and contemporary technology. Throughout the hotel, a commitment to locally sourced materials and textures is evident, coupled with styling that draws heavily from Japanese design traditions. Collaborations with local designers and artisans were crucial in developing and selecting furnishings that reflect this fusion. The hotel’s design is rich in sensory details, incorporating handmade crafts such as ceramics and textiles throughout the property. The light-filled welcome area provides an inviting space with an open library, comfortable seating, and a zen garden, establishing a calm ambiance upon arrival. This zen garden, located at the core of the ryokan, is specifically designed to create a dialogue between Eastern and Western influences, and traditional versus contemporary styles. Each of the ten guest rooms is named after a Japanese number and is conceived to mirror traditional ryokan spaces while incorporating modern automated conveniences. Features like automated lighting, controllable via the hotel’s in-house app, enhance guest comfort. Some of the more spacious tatami bedrooms offer views of the interior garden, a mini-bar, and an independent lounge area within their 225 square feet. The rooms are further customized with locally sourced materials like bejuco, a vine used in Mayan architecture, alongside terrazzo and oak, adding a distinct local flavor to the Japanese-inspired decor. Sliding modular doors, reminiscent of traditional Japanese shoji screens, are also a prominent feature. Ryo Kan MX aims to introduce the concept of 'mindful hospitality' to Mexico City, aligning with Japanese cultural values such as simplicity, reverence for nature, appreciation for local natural materials, and community. The hotel staff articulate that this approach combines these values with a meticulous service style, fostering a new perspective on responsible tourism through a blend of Japanese and Mexican cultures. The intention is to redefine the standards for small lodges within a large metropolitan area. A highlight of the hotel is its rooftop deck, which offers four private onsen baths providing panoramic city views, further enhancing the tranquil and luxurious experience. #JapaneseDesign #MexicanCraftsmanship #BoutiqueHotel #MindfulHospitality #ZenGarden #TatamiRooms #OnsenBaths #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign

Kengo Kuma, born in 1954 in Yokohama, Japan, initially favored modern concrete homes over his traditional wooden childhood dwelling, which featured rice paper screens and tatami mats. His perspective on traditional architecture shifted after being deeply impressed by Kenzo Tange's Yoyogi National Gymnasium, designed for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, which ignited his passion for architecture. Over time, Kuma developed a profound appreciation for his childhood home's craftsmanship, natural materials, and the unique sensory experience it offered, influencing his architectural philosophy. Kuma's current architectural approach emphasizes harmony with the environment, history, and local traditions, focusing on the use of natural and handmade materials. This philosophy is evident in his diverse projects globally, including the wooden Japan National Stadium in Tokyo and the stone-clad V&A Dundee in Scotland. He begins each project with an immersive site visit to understand its 'spirit,' feeling the breeze and smelling the soil, often spending an entire day there to grasp its essence before selecting the most suitable materials. He believes that finding the 'protagonist material' for a place is crucial for architecture. His recent works demonstrate this material-focused approach. The UCCA Clay Museum in Yixing, China, incorporates handmade ceramic tiles to celebrate the region's pottery heritage, while the CMP Inspiration museum in Taichung, Taiwan, features a green-planted roof seamlessly integrated with partially buried exhibition galleries. For the Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto, Kuma drew inspiration from traditional Japanese Noh theatre, creating an outdoor stage using yellow cedar and Kyoto cypress, highlighting the ethereal beauty of local traditions. In the South of France, Kengo Kuma & Associates designed the World Heritage and Pyrénées National Park House in Gavarnie, emphasizing harmony with the stunning natural landscape through traditional materials. The building's fluid form and glazed walls offer mountain views, while its thatched roof celebrates local haymaking traditions. Kuma actively advocates for the sustainable properties of thatch, using it in innovative ways such as exterior walls in the Yusuhara Marche and an upside-down thatched roof at Greenable Hiruzen, despite the challenges of reintroducing traditional materials into contemporary construction. Kuma has designed over 70 museums worldwide, including the V&A Dundee and the Hans Christian Andersen Museum. He redefines museums not just as spaces for art, but as places for conversation with art, space, and gardens, prioritizing intimacy and a sense of belonging within urban environments. His favorite museum project is the Nezu Museum in Tokyo, which he redesigned to integrate with its gardens, preserving the spirit and lifestyle of its founder, Nezu Kaichiro. He sees the museum as a tender, intimate space with a soft atmosphere, particularly appreciating the small café where Nezu's living room once stood. Addressing challenges in contemporary architecture, Kuma notes the rising costs of projects due to global events. He believes the solution lies in a long-term vision, emphasizing that architecture should create 'treasures' for future generations. He advocates for a return to nature, natural materials, and craftsmanship, which he sees as the foundation of community and economy. Kuma aspires to be remembered as the architect who transformed concrete-centric architecture back to using natural materials, drawing inspiration from the simplicity and sensory richness of his childhood home. He also admires Geoffrey Bawa's work, finds inspiration in Japan's onsens and ryokans for design ideas, and considers the Bamboo House in China one of his favorite projects due to its contrast with the Great Wall. #KengoKuma #Architecture #NaturalMaterials #SustainableDesign #JapaneseModernism #MuseumDesign #CulturalHeritage #ThatchArchitecture #EnvironmentalHarmony

Kairi Eguchi Studio has designed YOKI SAUNA, a unique barrel-shaped sauna situated on the site of an abandoned elementary school in Hyogo, Japan. This project aims to offer a rejuvenating experience deeply connected to nature and local cultural heritage. The sauna's distinctive wooden structure is crafted from thinning trees sourced directly from the surrounding forest, emphasizing a sustainable approach to construction and resource utilization. This integration of local materials not only contributes to the sauna's aesthetic but also supports local forestry management practices. A key design element of the YOKI SAUNA is its long, slender window, which is gracefully topped by a stepped ceiling. This architectural feature is designed to facilitate a dynamic interplay of natural light and shadow within the sauna space, creating an ethereal and tranquil atmosphere for its users. The strategic placement and design of this window ensure that the interior environment is constantly changing, reflecting the time of day and the natural light conditions outside, thus enhancing the meditative and relaxing experience. The facility is located in Aogaki, Tamba City, and is committed to fostering a symbiotic relationship with its natural surroundings. A significant aspect of this commitment is the utilization of water from the headwaters of the Kakogawa River for the sauna’s baths, highlighting the studio's dedication to integrating natural resources responsibly. Beyond the architectural design, Kairi Eguchi Studio also took charge of the branding for YOKI SAUNA. The branding efforts pay homage to the majestic backdrop of the nearby mountains, further reinforcing the sauna’s connection to its natural landscape. The project’s core ethos is rooted in sustainability and local collaboration. The thinning trees used in the construction were harvested through an operation initiated by Ki-ei, the facility's management company. This process not only provides the necessary building materials but also supports the health and ecological balance of the forest by removing excess trees. The sauna’s logo itself embodies this principle, featuring four interconnected trees that symbolize the interconnectedness of nature, community, and sustainable practices. This design and operational philosophy transforms the sauna into more than just a place for relaxation; it becomes a testament to thoughtful environmental stewardship and community engagement, promoting a holistic well-being experience that aligns with the natural rhythms of the Japanese forest. #KairiEguchiStudio #YokiSauna #JapaneseArchitecture #SustainableDesign #WoodArchitecture #ReclaimedWood #SaunaDesign #NatureIntegration #HyogoJapan

The former residence of the late Japanese fashion designer Kenzo Takada, known as The Kenzo House, is currently on the market through Christie's Real Estate. Located in the Bastille area of Paris, the four-story home was originally constructed by Takada in 1993 within the courtyard of an 18th-century Parisian building. Takada, who founded his eponymous label in Paris, sought to create a living space that harmoniously blended Eastern and Western design aesthetics, reflecting his own cultural background and artistic vision. The initial design of the house, which took seven years to complete, aimed to incorporate elements reminiscent of Japan, providing a tranquil contrast to the vibrant Parisian atmosphere that inspired his fashion work. The property underwent a significant redesign in 2018 by acclaimed Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. Kuma's architectural philosophy, focused on a “frame of nature,” guided the renovation, emphasizing the integration of natural materials and light to foster a deeper connection with the environment. Kuma's redesign utilized organic Japanese building materials such as ceramic, stone, bamboo, and various types of wood, aligning with his belief that these materials enhance the experience of nature within architectural spaces. He championed transparency as a characteristic of Japanese architecture, employing light and natural elements to achieve a distinctive form of visual and atmospheric clarity within the home. The Kenzo House features an expansive layout including four bedrooms, six bathrooms, a music room, a fitness room, a study, an elevator, and staff studio apartments. A central aspect of the property's appeal lies in its meticulously designed outdoor spaces. The garden includes a stone pond inhabited by nishiki carp, and extensive landscape gardens featuring cherry trees, maple trees, bamboos, moss, rocks, and waterfalls, all crafted to evoke the serene beauty of a traditional Japanese landscape. A key element of Kuma's redesign involved reorienting each bedroom to face the garden, visually and materially framing the house with nature. The property also boasts a Japanese pavilion with a traditional tea-ceremony room, complete with tatami mats and shoji sliding doors, opening directly onto the koi pond. Further incorporating Japanese design, a terrace with an outdoor lap swimming pool was converted into an engawa, a traditional Japanese exterior corridor made of wooden latticing, providing a covered outdoor dining and entertaining area with lush green foliage. An elegant stone bathtub offers panoramic views of the Parisian rooftops, contributing to the sense of luxury, peace, and pleasure envisioned in the home's design. #KenzoTakada #ParisRealEstate #JapaneseArchitecture #KengoKuma #LuxuryHomes #HomeDesign #EasternWesternFusion #ArchitecturalRenovation #GardenDesign

Furuya Design has meticulously transformed an existing wooden bungalow on Amami Ōshima into a SANU Second Home, deeply integrating it with the island's subtropical environment. Situated in Tatsugo Town, near Amami Airport and overlooking Akaogi Bay, the project is part of SANU's membership-based vacation home network. The site is characterized by its tranquil inland sea, coral stone foundations, and resilient akagi trees, which have adapted to the strong ocean winds. The design philosophy behind this renovation focused on blurring the lines between the built structure and the surrounding natural landscape, emphasizing framing, texture, and creating an immersive atmosphere. The architects addressed the compact footprint of the original bungalow by introducing robust, expressive exterior walls, creating a double-skin facade. This innovative approach integrates existing elements like storm shutters and aluminum sashes while enhancing the home's performance and aesthetic appeal. The outer layer, clad in wood, is designed to mimic the textured, layered appearance of local fan palms, creating dynamic shadow play throughout the day. A crucial design intervention involved elevating a new attic-level viewpoint. This addition provides occupants with a unique vantage point to observe the coastline, framed by palm fronds, and to experience the sensory input of shifting leaves and distant surf, establishing a profound connection to the natural soundscape. Internally, Furuya Design implemented a significant vertical expansion by removing the original ceiling. This created a double-height atrium, linking the newly added attic viewpoint with the main living areas below. This central space functions as an indoor balcony, serving as a transition zone between the comfort of the interior and the expansive outdoors. The floor plan radiates from this atrium, incorporating distinct zones for living, dining, sleeping, and utility, ensuring a flexible layout suitable for both private contemplation and communal activities. The interior design prioritizes permeable boundaries, with carefully positioned openings that frame specific views of the landscape, drawing inspiration from the art of Isson Tanaka, known for his depictions of Amami's natural beauty. The renovation also paid close attention to Amami's unique botanical character, where tropical plants like hibiscus, plumeria, and bougainvillea flourish outdoors year-round, unlike their indoor cultivation in colder climates. Furuya Design collaborated with a local botanical garden to augment the site's existing vegetation, selecting species native to the island to enhance the ecological richness of the grounds. This botanical focus extended to a broader ecological consideration, particularly in light of the pest damage affecting sago palms, a symbolic species on Amami. The project became an opportunity to reflect on the role of architecture not only in preserving natural aesthetics but also in fostering a deeper engagement with and responsiveness to natural ecosystems facing environmental challenges. This partnership with SANU underscored a commitment to addressing the declining natural systems and promoting environmental awareness through architectural design and landscaping choices. #FuruyaDesign #SANUHome #AmamiOshima #JapaneseArchitecture #BungalowRenovation #NatureImmersedDesign #WoodArchitecture #SubtropicalEnvironment #ArchitecturalRenovation

Kenzo Takada, a prominent fashion designer known for vibrant prints, bold colors, and unique silhouettes, profoundly influenced the fashion industry by integrating Japanese elements into Western aesthetics. His brand, Kenzo, which he founded and later sold to LVMH in 1993, became a global phenomenon. Following his departure from the active fashion scene, Takada redirected his creative talents towards home interior design, launching his furniture label K-3 less than a year before his passing in October 2020 due to Covid-19 complications. His K-3 collection continued his signature blend of Eastern and Western design principles, characterized by a rich use of color and prints. In stark contrast to the colorful exuberance of his fashion and furniture designs, Takada's personal residence in Paris, known as the Kenzo House, exhibits a serene and Zen-like aesthetic. This 13,778 square-foot home, located in an 18th-century residential building in the Bastille district, was initially built by Takada in 1993 and later redesigned by architect Kengo Kuma in 2018. The exterior of the four-story house features natural materials such as cedar shingles, teak, and clay, contributing to its tranquil and textured facade. A central feature of the home is an interior courtyard designed as a traditional Japanese garden. This garden includes a stone pond inhabited by nishiki carp and koi fish, surrounded by a variety of Japanese flora, including cherry and maple trees, bamboo, junipers, lichens, and mosses. Kuma's redesign ensured that each room of the house offered views of this natural sanctuary, creating a seamless connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces. The garden is further enhanced by carefully placed rocks and miniature waterfalls, replicating a classic Japanese landscape. Adjacent to the garden is a Japanese pavilion that houses a traditional tea ceremony room. This room is authentically appointed with tatami mats and shoji sliding doors, which can be opened to provide an unobstructed view of the koi pond. Inside the main house, the aesthetic continues with extensive use of wood. French oak louvres, beams, and floors maintain consistency with the original wooden finishes. An engawa, a traditional Japanese exterior corridor, featuring a wooden lattice, replaced an indoor lap pool, further emphasizing the home's Japanese design influences. The residence is comprehensively equipped with modern amenities and ample living spaces. It features four bedrooms, each with an en suite bathroom and a dedicated dressing room, ensuring privacy and comfort for residents and guests. Additional facilities include a music room, a study, a fitness room, and an elevator. The property also provides practical accommodations with three self-contained studio apartments for staff and two private parking spaces. This thoughtful integration of Japanese aesthetics with contemporary living defines Kenzo Takada's personal Parisian home as a unique and tranquil retreat. #InteriorDesign #HomeTour #FashionDesigner #JapaneseAesthetics #ParisHome #KengoKuma #ZenLiving #ArchitecturalDesign

MESM Tokyo, a new addition to Marriott's Autograph Collection, offers a unique blend of traditional Japanese hospitality and modern, fashion-forward design. Located in the WATERS Takeshiba building in Hamamatsucho, the hotel occupies floors 16 through 26, providing guests with panoramic views of Tokyo Bay and the historic Hamarikyu Gardens. The hotel's design, orchestrated by Wilson Associates, draws inspiration from the dynamic flow of water and people along the Takeshiba waterfront, influencing its decor, color scheme, and art installations. Each room at MESM Tokyo is a fusion of contemporary and traditional Japanese aesthetics, designed to maximize the impressive views. Entryways feature bespoke consoles, and rooms are equipped with standalone powder rooms and collapsible closet cubicles for a sleek and efficient living space. For guests with a musical inclination, a Casio Privia digital piano is thoughtfully included in each room, adding a unique touch to the guest experience. Dining at MESM Tokyo is an experience in itself. The Chef’s Theatre restaurant offers French bistro cuisine prepared with fresh, locally sourced Japanese ingredients, all within a dining room that pays homage to kabuki theater. For a more relaxed atmosphere, Whisk provides cocktails, coffee, and light bites, centered around an elegant cantilevered marble bar. The hotel also caters to corporate and social events with a multi-function room capable of accommodating up to 90 people. Adhering to the Autograph Collection's philosophy of providing distinct experiences tailored to each destination, MESM Tokyo emphasizes showcasing the city's latest trends in fashion, art, technology, and lifestyle. This commitment is evident through the inclusion of locally sourced products throughout the hotel, such as men's skincare from Bulk Homme and coffee from the trendy Sarutahiko Coffee. These curated selections allow guests to immerse themselves in Tokyo's contemporary culture and stay current with local trends. In essence, MESM Tokyo represents a sophisticated retreat that marries luxurious accommodations with cultural authenticity. The strategic location, coupled with thoughtful design and bespoke amenities, positions it as a significant hospitality offering in the Japanese capital. The hotel aims to not only mesmerize its guests through its design and services but also to connect them with the vibrant pulse of Tokyo's innovative and traditional landscapes. #MESMTokyo #AutographCollection #LuxuryHotel #TokyoHospitality #JapaneseDesign #WaterfrontViews #HotelInterior #TravelJapan #TokyoHotels

The new Club Med Tomamu, a ski-in ski-out resort located on Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, features a visually striking design that harmonizes modern elements with traditional aesthetics and alpine-inspired interiors. World-class designer Jean-Philippe Nuel drew inspiration from the surrounding natural environment, incorporating genuine winter-white birch and spring bloom garlands into the resort's foyer. The 341-room property is characterized by a vibrant color palette, including reds, blues, calming greens, rich brown timbers, and splashes of yellow, all coexisting to create a restful and relaxing atmosphere for guests. Jean-Philippe Nuel emphasizes the uniqueness of the resort's natural setting, which heavily influenced its interior design. The design philosophy behind Club Med Tomamu aimed to create an edgy interior that aligns with the brand's reputation for upbeat, friendly, all-inclusive premium holiday experiences. The result is a collection of funky furnishings and traditional Japanese design elements that are both eye-catching and comfortable, prompting guests to consider incorporating similar styles into their own homes. The main bar and lounge areas offer plush armchairs and luxurious upholstered daybeds, positioned to provide panoramic views of Tomamu's main slopes through expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. A notable design feature is a floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall Japanese-style bookshelf at one end of the bar, further enhancing the blend of culture and nature within the resort. Nuel highlights the successful fusion of Club Med's energetic culture with the surrounding natural beauty and local traditions, achieving an elegant and purposeful design. The resort's main dining areas are adorned with rich colors and patterns that evoke the four seasons, while the buffet room is designed to mimic the lively ambiance of an Asian night market, complete with rich red countertops and wicker lightshades illuminating dessert displays. The guest rooms and suites are styled to resemble those found in a boutique city hotel or apartment, featuring royal blue bedspreads, luxe gold throws, and floral rugs with red and orange accents. These vibrant colors are balanced by muted forest green couches and dark timber joinery, which thoughtfully frame the snowy winter landscape outside. Since its opening on December 17 last year, Club Med Tomamu has consistently operated at near-full capacity, largely attracting Australian holiday-makers. #Contemporary #Family #InternationalTravel #LuxuryResort #JapaneseDesign #AlpineInteriors #Hokkaido #SkiResort #InteriorDesign

Kenzo House, the former residence of renowned Japanese fashion designer Kenzo Takada, is a luxurious, Zen-inspired property nestled within an 18th-century apartment building in Paris’s 11th arrondissement. Originally built by Kenzo in 1993, the house underwent a significant redesign in 2018 by award-winning architect Kengo Kuma, known for his work on the National Stadium for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the V&A Dundee. This 13,778-square-foot, four-story residence, now offered through Christie’s International Real Estate, masterfully blends Eastern and Western influences, much like Takada's own designs. The current owners, a French businessman and his family, acquired the property in 2016 after spending 15 years in Asia, where they admired Kuma's work and his philosophy of connecting architecture with nature. They commissioned Kuma to renovate Kenzo House, maintaining fidelity to Kenzo's original vision of an authentic Japanese house and garden. Kuma, in collaboration with architect Loïk Corre, who worked on Kenzo’s initial plans, reconfigured the layout to enhance harmony and fluidity, integrating the house more closely with its natural surroundings. He achieved this by adding natural Japanese building materials like cedar shingles, teak, clay, ceramic, stone, and bamboo to the exterior, enriching its texture and warmth. Internally, partition walls were replaced with timber slats, and an indoor lap pool was transformed into an _engawa_, a traditional Japanese exterior corridor crafted from wooden latticing. Large interior windows, a floating staircase, and sliding doors were installed, and all bedrooms were oriented to face the courtyard garden, bringing nature into the interior spaces. Kuma's design philosophy, centered on transparency and a deeper connection to nature, is evident throughout the renovation. He emphasizes the use of light and natural materials to create a new kind of transparency, a characteristic of Japanese architecture. The interiors feature sleek and soothing aesthetics, with French oak louvres, beams, and floors complementing the original wood finishes. Key furniture pieces, including Hans Wegner ‘Wishbone’ chairs in the dining room and Walter Knoll pieces in the living room, were selected to maintain a calm atmosphere. The landscaped Japanese garden is a highlight of the property, perfected by Kuma. It features a stone-studded pond with nishiki carp, a traditional Japanese pavilion with a tea ceremony room, a waterfall, and several outdoor terraces. The careful selection of bamboo, junipers, lichens, mosses, and cherry trees evokes the tranquility of a Japanese landscape. The property now includes four bedrooms, six bathrooms, a Japanese suite opening onto the garden, two large reception rooms, two dining rooms, two kitchens, and three self-contained studio apartments for staff. Additional amenities encompass a music room, fitness room, wine cellar, lift, and private parking. Kenzo Takada himself remarked upon returning to his former home that it was “much more Japanese than before, and much more modern,” highlighting its evolution into a living work of art that inspires a Zen lifestyle. #LuxuryLiving #KenzoHouse #ParisRealEstate #JapaneseArchitecture #KengoKuma #InteriorDesign #ZenInspired #ChristiesRealEstate #ArchitecturalRenovation

This blog post features the renovation of a 90-year-old house in Kamakura, Japan, transformed into an atelier by architect Yuji Okitsu. The project, named Annex House, serves as an annex to the clients' main residence, designed to host artists, culinary experts, and entertain friends. The building, a 721-square-foot structure, is situated on a flat site on a steep hillside, typical of Kamakura's topography. Upon initial assessment, the house had been stripped to its framework, with its original layout largely unidentifiable. The renovation aimed to harmonize the existing structure with the surrounding environment, preserving the historical essence of the building while integrating modern elements. A key design philosophy was to maintain respect for the house's long history. This was achieved by not painting the exposed parts of the repaired and reinforced framework to differentiate new wood from old. The project sought to symbolize the coexistence of old and new and the building's enduring presence. Material selection emphasized longevity and character. The exterior walls were clad in yakisugi, a traditional Japanese charred wood, known for its durability and aesthetic aging. Brass door knobs were chosen for similar reasons. Inside, solid chestnut wood flooring, repurposed from the client's previous home, and antique window frames that the clients already owned, were incorporated, adding personal history and warmth to the interior. The ground floor of the renovated space is primarily dedicated to the atelier, kitchen, and dining area. The strategic placement of the stairwell and variations in ceiling height create an open and fluid layout, allowing for unhindered circulation throughout the space. The second floor features low windows, known as muso-mado, which are traditional Japanese windows with vertical slats. These windows open to the first-floor atelier, facilitating the transmission of atmosphere, sounds, and warm air from the wood stove, thereby creating a unified, open-plan feel across both levels. A distinctive feature of the renovation is the concrete deck in the garden. This deck is engineered to collect a thin layer of water when it rains, transforming it into a reflecting pool. The ripples on the water's surface create dynamic patterns that reflect the architecture, fostering an interactive blend of nature and design. After the rain, it becomes a temporary water basin, mirroring the surrounding trees and natural light, further merging the landscape with the built environment. The renovation successfully preserves the historical integrity of the 90-year-old house while adapting it for contemporary use as a flexible art and gathering space. The design integrates old and new elements thoughtfully, reflecting the passage of time and ensuring the building's relevance for future generations. The project embodies a balance between architectural intervention and environmental harmony, creating a space that is both functional and aesthetically integrated with its unique setting. #Kamakura #JapaneseArchitecture #HouseRenovation #AtelierDesign #YakisugiCladding #ConcreteDeck #ReflectingPool #HistoricPreservation #ArchitecturalHarmony

Kengo Kuma, a prolific and versatile Japanese architect, has been making significant contributions to the world of architecture, marked by his recent completion of his first U.S. public commission in Portland and the ongoing construction of the stadium for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Kuma's architectural philosophy is characterized by a modernist interpretation of traditional Japanese design principles, emphasizing the innovative use of sustainable materials to seamlessly integrate structures into their natural and urban surroundings. His works often highlight a profound respect for context and a desire to create spaces that blend with their environment rather than dominating it. Among his notable projects is the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center in Tokyo, Japan, which stands near the historic Sensō-ji temple. This center employs a contemporary architectural language to reference traditional Japanese construction, presenting a vertical stack of smaller structures with asymmetrical roofs that mirrors the vibrant energy of its neighborhood. In China's Sichuan Province, the Xin Jin Zhi Museum Chengdu, situated at the base of Laojunshan Mountain, explores themes of light and water. The museum features an elegant facade draped with floating tiles, allowing natural light to filter through during the day and illuminating beautifully at night. The Komatsu Seirin Fabric Laboratory in Ishikawa, Japan, showcases Kuma's innovative approach to renovation. This three-story office building, which serves as a workspace, exhibition, and research facility, incorporates cutting-edge carbon fiber technology for earthquake resistance. This material, ten times stronger than iron and inspired by local braiding techniques, was used for structural reinforcement for the first time in this project. The LVMH Headquarters in Osaka, Japan, is a multi-use building housing boutiques and offices. Its exterior is clad in a thin layer of onyx plates from Pakistan, sliced to four millimeters and sandwiched between glass, creating a luminous stone box effect at night in the bustling city center. For the Aitoku Kindergarten in Saitama, Japan, Kuma designed an early childhood education center with multiple pitched roofs made of wood and steel, angled to reflect the town's landscape and provide a cozy learning environment. SunnyHills at Minami-Aoyama in Tokyo, a patisserie for a Taiwanese pineapple cake company, features a nest-like structure crafted from Hinoki (Japanese cypress) using the traditional "Jigoku Gumi" construction method, allowing abundant natural light to create a bright and airy interior. Green Cast in Odawara-shi, Kanagawa, Japan, is a mixed-use building whose facade consists of aluminum die-cast planters. These planters, created with monobloc casting, help cool the interiors while facilitating natural daylight and ventilation. The Yufeng Spa Resort in Yunnan Province, China, draws inspiration from the nearby holy Yunfengshan Mountain. Kuma arranged the resort buildings to mimic the flow of spiritual energy from the mountain, using locally sourced stones laid in a mosaic pattern to achieve a pixelated effect. The Mont-Blanc Base Camp in Les Houches, France, designed as the headquarters for Blue Ice, a climbing and mountaineering company, integrates with its forest environment through a facade made of thick oak panels, echoing the surrounding trees. The building's wide oak plank roof harmonizes with the terrain. The Nezu Museum of Art in Tokyo, Japan, positioned behind a bamboo row near an upscale shopping district, successfully merges urbanity with nature. Its unique roof design and bamboo-lined approach blend the interior space with the garden. In Oregon, the Portland Japanese Garden Cultural Village expansion project benefited from Kuma's expertise in traditional Japanese design. The expansion, considered the most authentic Japanese Garden outside Japan, references the Katsura Villa in Kyoto, with glass walls and wooden screens that open to integrate architecture and nature within Portland's urban forest. Finally, Kuma's design for the Japan National Stadium in Tokyo, chosen for the 2020 Olympics, pays homage to traditional Japanese temples. This "urban forest" concept incorporates plants and trees on every level, a large oculus above the track, and a latticed larch-and-steel canopy, reportedly inspired by his work on the Portland Japanese Garden. #KengoKuma #JapaneseArchitecture #SustainableDesign #ModernArchitecture #ArchitecturalInnovation #CulturalIntegration #UrbanForestConcept #MaterialInnovation #TokyoOlympics

Starbucks in Japan has achieved remarkable popularity, extending beyond its global presence to cultivate a fervent local following since its debut in Ginza in 1996. With over 1,917 stores nationwide, the brand's rapid expansion and enthusiastic reception are noteworthy. A notable instance of this widespread appeal occurred in 2015, when the opening of a Starbucks in Tottori, Japan's least populated prefecture, drew a crowd of a thousand people who queued from early morning. The launch of the world's largest Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Meguro in 2019 further exemplified its popularity, necessitating a lottery system to manage visitor access through time-slotted tickets. The brand's success in Japan is attributed to several factors, including its consistent introduction of seasonal, limited-edition beverages and merchandise, many of which are exclusive to the Japanese market. Additionally, Starbucks has adeptly integrated with local culture by creating visually appealing and distinctive spaces. These locations often incorporate innovative architecture and design, frequently blending with their inspiring surroundings to offer unique aesthetic experiences. The designs are so integrated into their environments that they often do not immediately appear to be a Starbucks until the familiar green mermaid logo is spotted. Examples of these architecturally significant Starbucks locations include the Hakodate Bayside store in Hokkaido, situated in a heritage building within the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse district. This two-story former warehouse, dating back to the Meiji era, preserves its historic ambiance with original wooden flooring and staircase. It offers views of Hakodate Bay and a fireplace for warmth during Hokkaido's cold winters. The Hirosaki Koen-mae store in Aomori is housed within the Daihachi Dancho Kansha, a former division commander's residence built in 1917. This location, a Tangible Cultural Property, blends Western aesthetics with Japanese design elements like shoji doors and traditional wall scrolls. It also features local crafts, such as light fixtures made from beech wood using the bunaco technique and sofa backrests embroidered with Tsugaru style kogin-zashi patterns. In Kawagoe, Saitama, the Kanetsuki-dori store mirrors the 'Little Edo' townscape with a traditional warehouse-like structure, featuring a local cedarwood exterior and a tiled roof. Its interior incorporates repurposed fusuma sliding panels as framed artworks and cushions made from local Kawagoe tozan kimono fabric, tied with ume musubi-style cords. An outdoor terrace provides access to a Japanese garden, where patrons can occasionally hear the nearby Tsuki no Kane bell tower. The Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo in Meguro, designed by Kengo Kuma, is one of the brand's largest roasteries globally. This four-story structure on the Meguro River features a roasting factory, an Arriviamo cocktail bar, a Teavana tea room, and a Princi bakery. Its fourth-floor terrace offers views of cherry blossoms during spring. The Yomiuriland Hana Biyori store in Tokyo is uniquely situated within a greenhouse at Yomiuriland’s Hana Biyori garden. This location provides a floral environment with blooming flower walls and hanging baskets. It features an open, light-filled space with abundant greenery, a communal table with a water feature, and counter seats overlooking an 8m-long aquarium with Okinawan coral fish. Entry requires a ticket to the botanical garden. The Nineizaka Yasaka Chaya store in Kyoto occupies a 100-year-old machiya (townhouse) from the Taisho period, seamlessly blending into the historic neighborhood. Recognized with the Kyoto Scenery Award, it preserves a traditional daibei wooden wall and features three inner courtyards converted into Japanese gardens. The upper floor resembles a classic Japanese tea house with tatami floors, zabuton cushions made from Tango kimono fabric, and tokonoma spaces displaying wall scrolls. The Meriken Park store in Kobe is located at the city’s picturesque harbor, near the Kobe Port Tower. Its facade, resembling fish scales, is constructed using the traditional hishibuki technique with diamond-shaped metal plates. The first floor offers views of the lawn and harbor, while the second floor, designed like a ship's bow with a curved glass wall, provides a cruise-like experience. The store is particularly scenic in the evening when surrounding landmarks are illuminated. The Dogo Onsen Ekisha store in Ehime is housed in a two-story Meiji-era structure built in 1912, part of the Dogo Onsen train station. Its design combines Western and traditional Japanese aesthetics with lattice windows, Victorian-style fencing, and a wooden facade. The interior features a bar counter and communal table made from repurposed railway sleepers and tracks, reflecting the area's heritage. Finally, the Dazaifu Tenmangu Omotesando store in Fukuoka, designed by Kengo Kuma, is an avant-garde installation along the pedestrian street to Dazaifu Tenmangu shrine. Its signature feature is a criss-crossing mass of 2,000 cedar wood bars, pieced together using the traditional kigumi technique without nails. The interior features zigzagging sofa seats and natural light, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. #StarbucksJapan #ArchitecturalDesign #UniqueCafes #JapaneseCulture #HeritageBuildings #KengoKuma #KyotoMachiya #TokyoArchitecture #HokkaidoHistory