Japanese hotel uses cultural motif as contemporary facade design!

By Ar. Shreya Kulkarni

Photography: Kota Nakatake & Shinichiro Himematsu; courtesy the architect

Read Time: 2 mins

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Himematsu Architecture Studio introduces the traditional hemp pattern as the focal loci of a quaint hotel in Tokyo – marking its cultural authenticity on the tourist map…

With the upcoming Olympics in Tokyo this year, and as part of strengthening the city’s tourist infrastructure, the Shinjuku Miyabi Residence as the little hotel is called, is in the city centre and facilitates an eased-out transport connectivity with various tourist spots including Shinjuku Gyoen – a traditional Japanese garden that favours a majority of its visitors.

hemp leaf pattern

Whilst this becomes its primary attraction, its built form incorporates a contemporary translation of the ‘hemp leaf’ - an integral symbol of Japanese culture traditionally used for patterns on baby clothes.

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The dramatic skin of the building is composed using 2-mm thin laser-cut aluminium panels of hemp leaf silhouettes framed together by a steel structure; and further accentuated by a warm hued illuminating bed as a backdrop set in between the external wall and panels, thus lighting up the street as a narrative beacon at dusk. 

plan

The elongated façade discontinues at the parapet of the third level to accommodate a view for the terrace. The planning includes guest rooms on three floors, each naturally lit by the openings on the anterior, vertical connectivity, service areas on the rear and a shared common space in the basement.

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guest room 1

guest room 2

guest room 3

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The design vocabulary continues in the interiors as a feature wall in the lobby that hosts traditional Japanese paintings on alternative pine-chequered panels, alternated with back-lit panels ornamented by split bamboos. The pale walls juxtaposed with lacquered glossy black wood compliment the lacquered Akamatsu wood flooring; whilst trio is balanced by a contrasting decorative false ceiling. 

Optimised air-conditioning is a smart inclusion, where carbon-dioxide controllers and humidity regulating walls cut on maintenance costs, simultaneously adding to the comfort.

Fact File: 
Project Name: Shinjuku Miyabi Residence
Program: Hotel
Architectural Design: Himematsu Architecture
Structural Design: Kume Structural Research & Development Office
Facility Design + Construction: C.H.C System
Constructor: O’hara Architectural and Construction
Total Floor Area: 132 square metres
Location:   Tokyo Japan