Fujimoto Shigemasa’s latest project, the Hakuiya Hotel in Maebashi City, is envisioned as a vibrant local hub for art and cuisine. Located just a two-hour drive from Tokyo, the hotel’s architecture and interior design were crafted by Shosuke Fujimoto. The guest rooms feature creative designs by renowned designers Michele de Lucchi, Jasper Morrison, and Leandro Erlich.
The primary goal of this project is to offer a welcoming retreat where both local residents and visitors can immerse themselves in the hotel’s artistic and culinary experiences, as well as the surrounding natural beauty.
The White Well House Hotel comprises two main structures: the Heritage Tower and the Green Tower. The Heritage Tower, also known as the “Ruins Tower,” preserves the original buildings completed in the 1970s. In contrast, the Green Tower is a new extension designed by Shosuke Fujimoto to echo the rolling landscape around it.
In the Ruins Tower, Fujimoto removed the existing floor slabs to expose the raw concrete surfaces, creating a striking, unfinished aesthetic. Artist Lawrence Weiner’s works add an intriguing layer to this space, while Leandro Erlich’s indoor installation, “Lamp Tube,” encourages guests to engage with the architectural environment in a unique way.
The Ruins Tower features 17 uniquely designed rooms, each inspired by different themes. Italian designer Michele de Lucchi and British designer Jasper Morrison have both used wood as a key material to express their design visions.
For the Green Tower, Fujimoto Shosuke remains committed to the themes of minimalism and ecological design. Artist Leandro Erlich incorporates pipe installations to shape the atmosphere throughout the space. Additionally, artworks by local talents Hiraku Suzuki and Ryan Gander are thoughtfully integrated within the guest rooms.
Project Information
Project Type: Hotel Renovation
Location: Maebashi, Japan
Architectural Firm: Shosuke Fujimoto Architectural Firm
Area: 2,565 m²
Year Completed: 2020
Photographers: Shinya Kigure, Katsumasa Tanaka
Architecture & Interior Design: Shosuke Fujimoto
Room Design: Michele de Lucchi, Jasper Morrison, Leandro Erlich, Sou Fujimoto
Lighting Design: Hiroyasu Shoji
Textile Design: Yoko Ando
Interior Design Coordination: Tomomi Nagayama
Logo and Art Direction: Nanilani
Restaurant Planner: Hiroyasu Kawate (Florilega)
Plant Design: Solso
Owner: Shiroiya Hotel Inc
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