KAI Izumo: A Sanctum of Serenity and Tradition designed by NOMURA Co.,Ltd

KAI Izumo, the latest gem in the Hoshino Resorts KAI collection, reimagines the traditional ryokan experience in the ancient city of Izumo, Shimane Prefecture. Crafted by NOMURA Co., Ltd, this hot spring inn is a living tribute to the region's rich mythology and cultural heritage, offering a sanctuary for both body and soul. Nestled near the revered Izumo Taisha Shrine, the ryokan serves a spiritual purpose: to cleanse and prepare visitors for their pilgrimage to the shrine, inspired by the concept of 'Umi Iro Misogi,' or Sea Color Purification.

KAI Izumo is situated on the western side of the property, offering sweeping views of the iconic Hinomisaki Lighthouse, the tallest stone lighthouse in Japan. The inn features a book lounge, an exquisite restaurant, large public baths with open-air hot springs, and 39 meticulously designed guest rooms that reflect the changing hues of the Sea of Japan.

Crafted Design and Symbolism

Upon entering KAI Izumo, guests are greeted by a striking entrance feature that symbolizes the setting sun over the Izumo coastline. This emblem, made from finely processed steel with impurities known as Noro, pays homage to the region's historical Tatara ironworking traditions, where the finest Tamahagane steel was once produced. This entrance, which is already a popular photo spot, is a symbolic gateway to a stay filled with history, craftsmanship, and spiritual renewal.

The rooms at KAI Izumo are divided into two distinct design motifs, each reflecting the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. The western-facing rooms feature indigo-tinted living areas that enhance the rich orange glow of the setting sun over the Sea of Japan, creating a calming and meditative ambiance. On the other hand, the eastern-facing rooms draw inspiration from the mysterious hues of dawn, with walls covered in locally crafted Sekishu washi paper dyed in shades of dawn blue and red ochre. These spaces capture the unique characteristics of the Hinomisaki area, incorporating local materials and colours that reflect the natural rhythm of the day.

Connecting Guests to Izumo's Spiritual Legacy

KAI Izumo has woven mythology into its design and experiences, paying homage to visitors' profound spiritual bond with Izumo Taisha Shrine. Guests are invited to embark on a purification journey, guided by the Sea of Japan. Sea Color Purification is echoed in every facet of the ryokan, from the serene outdoor hot springs to the thoughtful design elements that mirror the changing hues of the sea and sky.

Beyond its visual and cultural allure, KAI Izumo beckons guests to partake in local traditions through immersive experiences. The ryokan's tranquil garden hosts captivating Kagura dance and tea ceremony performances, offering a window into Izumo's mythological past. The seasonal menu is a celebration of the region's culinary treasures, featuring delicacies like basket clams and red queen snow crab, meticulously chosen to showcase the best of local cuisine.

A Unique Response to the Location

The ryokan's location near Izumo Taisha and Hinomisaki Lighthouse allowed it to elevate its design beyond the typical KAI brand experience. The western-facing rooms capture the majestic sunsets, while the eastern-facing rooms symbolize the dawn, creating a unique relationship between the guest and the surrounding elements of nature. The result is an immersive experience where guests feel deeply connected to the environment in body and spirit.

By weaving the mythology of Izumo and the natural beauty of Hinomisaki into the heart of the design, KAI Izumo offers a more profound, more reflective experience. It's a place where every moment—a sunrise over the sea or a meditative soak in the hot spring baths—is an invitation to pause, reflect, and rejuvenate. The inn is both a destination and a journey, where history, nature, and spirituality converge to create an unforgettable experience.

More than just a luxury retreat, KAI Izumo is a vibrant cultural ambassador for the region, providing visitors with exciting opportunities to engage with Izumo's storied history. Daily Kagura dance performances and traditional tea ceremonies further enrich the experience, drawing guests closer to the area's mythological roots. The ryokan's seasonal menu offers a refined taste of local delicacies, with standout dishes featuring the best of Izumo's seafood, such as basket clams in spring and summer and queen snow crab in the winter months.

KAI Izumo is a retreat designed not just for relaxation but also for reflection. Here, the sea, sky, and earth elements come together to create an environment that nurtures both the body and the soul. In every detail, from its architecture to its culinary offerings, the ryokan embodies the spirit of Izumo as a place where history, nature, and craftsmanship converge.

For more information, please visit: https://www.nomurakougei.co.jp/
*This project is one of the shortlisted project in the Sky Design Awards 2024 - Interior Design: Hotel & Resorts Division

Redefining Suzhou Elegance: COSCIA Pu Yuan Store designed by ADS（All Design Studio）

Atrium

ADS has beautifully modernized Suzhou-style architecture's traditional spatial layouts and colour schemes, transforming them into a minimalist and contemporary design that reflects Eastern sensibilities. This design simplifies intricate details and creates a deep sense of nostalgia and connection, celebrating a lifestyle characterized by quality and sophistication.

In Pu Yuan Ancient Town, the essence of Jiangnan architecture is meticulously preserved. Every brick, tile, and wooden beam is crafted with mortise and tenon joints, showcasing the enduring skills of ancient artisans. The town's meandering streams, old-fashioned boats, and arched bridges intertwine to create a rich tapestry of cultural heritage and natural beauty.

Amidst historic structures from the Republic of China era, the COSCIA Pu Yuan Store is a testament to the harmonious blend of old and new. The store occupies a square layout across two floors, and its primary structure is a modern reinforced concrete building. ADS has retained numerous original columns and beams, honouring the historical imprints of the original architecture. This design choice seamlessly integrates traditional elements and materials from Suzhou-style architecture with modern aesthetics.

On the ground floor, the pathway is made of bricks and is flanked by two terracotta cabinet walls. This design adds visual depth and diversity to the atrium space. The atrium is covered with ink-black terrazzo, which gives the impression of an ink pool and a rain-dampened slate pathway. In the center of the atrium is a trapezoidal "Ink stick" structure. This structure is a display screen and an artistic centrepiece, drawing the eye upward. Additionally, a mirrored reflection resembling a sky lantern is suspended within the atrium, minimizing direct sunlight. This lightweight material contrasts with the geometric form of the "Ink stick."

Delicate metal chains encircling the atrium evoke the perpetual rainy ambiance of Jiangnan water towns, mimicking raindrops cascading from eaves and creating a curtain-like effect reminiscent of a water cascade. The cashier desk, fitting rooms, and jewelry section come to life on the ground floor. Inspired by mahjong tiles, the jewelry area's ceiling design features a vibrant interplay of orange and gray, squares and circles, infusing the space with a lively and playful ambiance.

The minimalist art journey continues to the second floor, unlike the grand "ink pool" below. Here, textured carpets and metallic panels create the sensation of walking on varied terrain, while a systematic arrangement of display cabinets encourages viewers to pause and explore. This thoughtful design builds anticipation for the unfolding journey ahead.

On the second floor, the VIP lounge and fitting rooms immerse individuals in a desert-themed atmosphere. Twilight imagery and decorative stones shape a unique "natural" landscape, offering modern consumers distinctive experiences and social media-worthy moments.

With this innovative design, ADS not only preserves the historical essence of Suzhou-style architecture but also elevates it by creating spaces that blend tradition and modernity. The result is an intriguing fusion that captivates the imagination and spirit of all who experience it.

*This project is one of the shortlisted project in the Sky Design Awards 2024 - Interior Design : Retail Design division

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Project Information

Project丨COSCIA Pu Yuan Store

Location：No.233, Pu Chuan Street, Pu Yuan Town, Jia Xing ,Zhe Jiang Province ,CHINA

Project Type：Multi Buyer Store

Area：800㎡

Design Company：ADS（All Design Studio）

Designer：Tao Li, Jing Duan

Photo Credits：Yuuuun Studio

Complete Year：May, 2023

GIKEN GROUP Head Office Relocation Project in Gifu-shi designed by void.Co.,Ltd. from Japan

Designed by void.Co.,Ltd from Japan. The relocation project for GIKEN GROUP's head office near the Gifu Prefectural Office in Gifu-shi embodies a vision to create a multifaceted facility designed to nurture diverse communication and innovation. The building will not just house the head office, but also feature a co-working space, rental offices, and seminar rooms, catering to employees, government workers, businesses, and students. This strategic location is envisioned to be a vibrant hub for interaction, benefitting visitors to the prefectural office and fostering a culture of collaboration and creativity.

The project began with an analysis of the local characteristics. Notably, there was an increasing number of young entrepreneurs and a growing demand for remote working options. However, there needed to be more combined office and co-working spaces in Gifu. This facility aims to fill that gap by allowing young entrepreneurs to start their businesses in the co-working space and then transition to rental offices as they expand. It serves as a meeting point for ambitious individuals from government, academia, industry, and civil society, designed to support young entrepreneurs and stimulate innovation.

The building boasts a split-level floor plan, with a two-story section on the south side and a three-story section on the north side. The south side features a triple-height atrium lounge, a cafeteria with views of the entire building, and open-plan offices, creating a modern, light-filled environment. The three-story north section houses private rooms such as rental offices, conference rooms, and the president's office, offering a tranquil setting.

The first floor's co-working space, the second floor's rental offices, and the third floor's headquarters are all arranged to face the atrium, fostering an environment that encourages interaction and innovation. The building's total floor area is 1,682 square meters, with a height of 9.98 meters. It extends 17 meters on the short side and 46.5 meters on the long side, running east to west. The void space is 8.5 meters high, while the two-story south part features large open spaces with a ceiling height of 3.8 meters, creating a spacious feel without internal walls. In contrast, the smaller rooms in the three-story north part have ceiling heights of about 2.1 meters - scaled for comfort and functionality. The rental spaces on the second floor and the offices on the third floor have exposed ceilings, providing ample height and a sense of openness.

The building's exterior design reflects its split-level interior layout, with a diverse facade that combines two—and three-story sections. The first-floor atrium lounge and second-floor cafeteria have an open, airy design with vertical louvres and glazing, creating a strong connection to the street. The office and seminar rooms are embellished with extruded cement panels, combining a sense of dignity with the building's openness.

This relocation project meets the evolving needs of Gifu's business community and creates a dynamic environment for innovation and growth.

Website: https://void-jp.org/en/

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Floor plan & Drawings