naruse inokuma timber-infused hotel in nakatsugawa, japan

Oyado Onn Nakatsugawa by Naruse inokuma

Tokyo-based architecture firm Naruse Inokuma unveils Oyado Onn Nakatsugawa, a timber-infused hotel located in the city of Nakatsugawa of Gifu, Japan. The design takes its cues from the topography of the area, which is known for its Kiso cypress production and slopes gently down to Mount Ena, long an object of worship. Inside, several floors are connected along the terrain with stairs and slopes to mimic the experience of climbing the mountain.

The new design is intended to reinvigorate the old city, which is somewhat less crowded these last few years. ‘We hope that this hotel will create a lively atmosphere in the old Nakasendo and become the pride of the town.’ the architects share.

the entrance of the Oyado Onn Nakatsugawa hotel

all images courtesy of Masao Nishikawa

a hotel interior that replicates the mountainous terrain

Naruse Inokuma (find more here) has designed a continuous common area on the first floor that follows along with the local topography. This first level was inset from the upper part of the structure to create a piloti-like space, while elements such as concrete walls and coffered ceilings were interspersed inside and outside to enhance the sense of continuity. Within the interior, multiple levels of floors are interlinked with stairs to replicate the sloping terrain.

Japanese cypress (Hinoki) is used for the wooden pillars that support the steel frame, while the coffered ceiling, the floors with sagging, the waist walls of the dining space are made of Moen-Wood, a fire-resistant laminated lumber. The reception counter is hardened with resin, while the artwork that reproduces the atmosphere of a lumber mill, and the large public bath are also made of Moen-Wood. Various elements such as partitions are scattered within the space to replicate the image of planting cypress trees on the slopes of the mountain.

the common area on the first floor

Moenwood is also used in the elevator lobbies on each floor, while the cypress used in the standard guest rooms and the special guest rooms is completely different. Cypress is used in a way that enhances the charm of the building, and has been designed to represent a diverse forest, just like the first floor.

As for the design of the guest room floors, the volume on the lower floors expands to fill the space, and the guest rooms are long and the windows are small so as not to notice the neighboring house that is nearby, while on the upper floors the depth is reduced. By shortening the length and making the windows horizontally continuous, we wanted to allow visitors to enjoy the landscape to their heart’s content. This divides the shape of the outdoor area into several reduced volumes, giving it a new effect and blending into the cityscape of old Nakasendo.

the first floor is designed as a continuous social area opening to the street