Kasho Gyoen Hotel

KASHO GYOEN HOTEL

Hiramoto Design Studio

Kasho Gyoen Hotel
© Koji Fujii / Nacasa & Partners

LEAD ARCHITECT
Hideyuki Hiramoto

CLIENTS
HAMANO HOTELS Co.Ltd

MANUFACTURERS
Aica, Nagoya Mosaic, Nemetschek, Sangetsu, Time & Style, Toli, Toto, Acor, Adobe, BOLERO, Cera Trading, DINAONE, Kawashima Orimono, Tsuji Sekizai, Yajima Mokuzai Kanso, gla_gla

AREA
2912 m²

YEAR
2018

LOCATION
Sapporo, Japan

CATEGORY
Hotels

Kasho Gyoen Hotel
© Koji Fujii / Nacasa & Partners

Text description provided by architect.

With an area of around one hectare, the site is located within Shikotsu-Toya National Park in Hokkaido. Near the site there is a renowned hot spring village, Jozankei Onsen.

The site is about 10 minutes’ drive from there, standing alone in the mountains, and you can appreciate the original Hokkaido landscape.

Kasho Gyoen Hotel
© Koji Fujii / Nacasa & Partners
Kasho Gyoen Hotel
© Koji Fujii / Nacasa & Partners

On my first visit to the site, I felt a bit fearful at the power of nature. So the beginning point of my idea was this fear. I wanted to turn this feeling from fear into delight.

I tried to design not only a beautiful modern space which would be acceptable to urban people, but also a natural rustic space where you can feel the uniqueness of this site.

Kasho Gyoen Hotel
© Koji Fujii / Nacasa & Partners
Kasho Gyoen Hotel
© Koji Fujii / Nacasa & Partners

I had researched some materials and crafts produced around the site and elsewhere in Hokkaido, and then I brought these influences together in a modern spatial design. I tried to make a luxurious space as a hotel by using these rustic local materials and crafts.

I call this concept A Secret Villa In Unexplored Regions. I hope that the guest will appreciate the original Hokkaido nature, whilst retaining a relaxed mood. Lobby: In the center of the lobby there is a centerpiece of an open hearth using Sapporo Soft Stone from near the site inspired by IRORI, which is a feature in Japanese traditional houses.

Kasho Gyoen Hotel
© Koji Fujii / Nacasa & Partners
Kasho Gyoen Hotel
© Koji Fujii / Nacasa & Partners

As in traditional Japanese houses, the space around the fireplace provides a welcoming/talking/drinking/relaxing environment. This space is located slightly lower than floor level, so a guest can feel calm in the space.

The guest can also see through towards the pond, when the guest enters the lobby. Restaurant: I designed a long counter table around an open kitchen, giving diners a front-row view of all the chef’s activities. It is like a theater.

Kasho Gyoen Hotel
© Koji Fujii / Nacasa & Partners
Kasho Gyoen Hotel
© Koji Fujii / Nacasa & Partners

I designed indirect lighting within a wooden grid over the counter table. In contrast, I located other seating near the windows with a view of the pond.

These tables could be separated from each other by drapes, if required. Bar: There is only a counter table and a window.

Kasho Gyoen Hotel
© Koji Fujii / Nacasa & Partners
Kasho Gyoen Hotel
© Koji Fujii / Nacasa & Partners

Through the window, you can enjoy the view of the National Park, illuminated by unique lighting, which has a special spectrum for keeping the peace of woods and insects.

To allow patrons to enjoy this night landscape, I chose a black color scheme. Guest Room: All Guest Rooms have a view towards the National Park.

Sliding doors allow guests to separate or integrate rooms as they wish. The Bathroom as part of the Living room is important to feel relaxed as in a Spa Resort, but more spacious.

Kasho Gyoen Hotel
© Koji Fujii / Nacasa & Partners
Kasho Gyoen Hotel
© Koji Fujii / Nacasa & Partners


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