narrow copper box leads guests in kyoto hotel by suppose design office

strong first impression

a green courtyard awaits at the end of this long and narrow copper box by the entrance of ‘hotel tou nishinotoin kyoto’. inserted by suppose design office to create a strong first impression of its latest hospitality project in kyoto, the box immerses guests in a transitional experience, taking them away from the bustle of the city and into the light-filled, tranquil interior. the courtyard that runs through the center of the building is created as a ‘place of light’, while soft shadows on the lobby’s continuous walls give a sense of the depth of the space. dark hues further emphasize he contrast between light and darkness in the common areas, while large pieces of stone bring fragments of the garden landscape thought the hotel.all images by kenta hasegawa

A CALM AND TRANQUIL HOTEL IN KYOTO

‘hotel tou nishinotoin kyoto’ is located in a quiet area with many buddhist altar stores, a little outside the city center, which is crowded with tourists. aiming for a calm space where guests can feel the depth of kyoto’s history and culture, suppose design office centered the hotel’s design around the concept of ‘depth’, both in terms of spatial composition and in the general atmosphere. ‘what was important in this project was to design certain senses, such as human vision, anticipation, and imagination,’ explains the japanese architecture studio.

the hotel is infused with elements of traditional japanese culture, like the dry landscape garden or the tea ceremony, combined with minimalist forms and a dark palette. the light coming in through the opening at the central courtyard is diffused by the wooden slats on the windows of the restaurant and the lobby, further enhancing the sense of the depth.

the guest rooms are planned to emphasize both horizontal and vertical dimensions at a low level. this is achieved by narrowing down the spatial elements, creating small rises in tatami mats and beds, and using the japanese lifestyle of taking off shoes and relaxing on the floor. since the hotel is located in a residential area, instead of enjoying the view from the window, guests are immersed in soft lighting installed between the shoji (the window of translucent sheets) and the sash. in this way, the opening itself is transformed into a lantern, casting shadows of the lattice and the shoji.

a green courtyard awaits at the end of the long and narrow copper box