We designed a zero-energy hotel to serve as the community center of Nishijo City, a region renowned for its “Uchinuki” well water, which originates from the sacred mountain of Ishinomaki.
In 2016, the Kengo Kuma Laboratory at the University of Tokyo began collaborating with partners from various regions to develop an innovative environmental city master plan named the “Itomachi Project,” centered around water as its key theme. This initiative involved seminars with local residents and a personal architectural competition for young architects, through which the “Itomachi” network was established.
The ‘Itomachi’ network acts as both a symbol and a hub, inspiring the design of this hotel to create a new center for communication and a fresh lifestyle—one that addresses global environmental challenges in the post-pandemic era.
The reception building, open to the community, is completely separate from the accommodation wing. Between these two structures lies a large garden where pure “Uchinuki” water flows freely. This outdoor space serves as a living room, performance area, and camping courtyard, expanding the traditional concept of a hotel by integrating the idea of a garden.
Project Information
Architect: Kengo Kuma Architecture Urban Design Firm
Area: 2,996 m²
Project Year: 2023
Photographer: Masaki Hamada (kkpo)
Design Team: Minoru Yokoo, Takumi Saikawa
Design Collaboration: Takumi Saikawa Architects
Interior Designer: Dugout Architects
Construction Party: Cool Design, LTD
Partner: Ohno JAPAN
Equipment Engineer: Kankyo Engineering, Factor M
Lighting Designer: Spangle
Location: Saijo, Japan
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