ace hotel kyoto by kengo kuma + commune design pays homage to the city's creative spirit

ace hotel kyoto, designed in partnership with kengo kuma and longtime ace partner commune design, has recently opened its doors, welcoming guests to its first hotel in asia. drawing from the neighborhood and its cultural heritage, the hotel is occupied by copious original artwork and thoughtful architectural and aesthetic details. ace hotel kyoto is housed within a site that is part historic structure — the former kyoto central telephone company by tetsuro yoshida — and part new-build, comprising the shin-puh-kan project helmed by development partners NTTUD. the structure further incorporates an expansive ground floor marketplace that connects directly to the kyoto subway line, all cohesively devised by kengo kuma.

the ace suite has a separate dining, bar and living area, double vanity and room to move
photo by yoshihiro makino

‘we’ve been wanting to do a project in japan for 20 years now, and collaborating with a visionary like kengo kuma and longtime friends commune make it all the more special,’ says kelly sawdon, partner and chief brand officer, ace hotel group. ‘kyoto has been a longstanding global hub that has provided inspiration for countless artists, designers, musicians, filmmakers and poets. kyoto is a city that generates creativity and inspires travel, and we hope ace will serve as a central gathering place for locals and travelers.’

the interior design incorporates a balance between japanese and american aesthetics
photo by yoshihiro makino

the 213-room ace hotel kyoto has been designed to pay homage to the city’s creative spirit, and as a monument to its past and future legends. ‘the thought was to create a hotel that is connected to kyoto and open to the surrounding area,’ comments kengo kuma on the project’s conception. ‘to begin with, the proposition was to create a dense garden where communities, as well as the past and the present, are connected to this venerable land with its various gardens, which have existed since the heian period. the existing kyoto central telephone office building was designed by one of the great japanese modern architects tetsuro yoshida. through the central courtyard, this red brick building will converse and create a new harmony with a wooden grid system that reminisces traditional kyoto.’

suites integrate craft, natural, local materials and custom art
photo by yoshihiro makino

‘the integrity of aneyakoji road and higashino-toin road was preserved through the delicate use of fine louvers and meshes,’ kuma continues. ‘these louvers and meshes also act as environmental devices, which gently filters light and wind. furthermore, the concrete was mixed with iron oxide to produce a fine warm color, which cannot be fabricated by paint. every detail and material was thought through to connect the building, land and history together. ace hotel is changing the definition of the hotel by connecting the surrounding area with the hotel, and the community with the guests. this is gently changing the air of the world.’

the tatami suite features four tatami futons, double vanities, turntables and a bar
photo by yoshihiro makino

internally, the design incorporates a balance between japanese and american aesthetics, integrating craft, natural and local materials, and custom artwork to form an east-meets-west philosophy. the team at commune design drew from the history of collaborations between western architects and designers — such as frank lloyd wright and charlotte perriand — and japanese builders, artists and manufacturers. public and private areas offer multi-layered spaces that speak to the union of ideas, histories, and traditions.

the design team drew from the history of collaborations between eastern and western creatives
photo by kent johnson

throughout the hotel’s meeting spaces and private rooms, original art and custom furnishings abound. ‘although we looked all over japan for artisans and craftsmen to collaborate with on the project, there is a high concentration of artists from kyoto prefecture involved in the project’, says roman alonso, design principal of commune design. features include a large-scale textile piece by the shobu gakuen artist community in kagoshima, which hangs above check-in. the gallery space and bar are lined with sculptural tiles from shigaraki — one of japan’s six ancient kilns. banners and noren curtains — traditional japanese fabric dividers — by celebrated artist samiro yunoki, who also designed the hotel’s logo and custom font, are exhibited around the hotel.

spaces speak to the union of ideas, histories, and traditions
photo by kent johnson

ace hotel kyoto will be home to the first stumptown coffee roasters in japan, as well as three distinct dining experiences helmed by legendary chefs from US cities. mr. maurice’s italian is an osteria by chef marc vetri, serving pasta and pizza from a wood burning oven on the rooftop patio. PIOPIKO, a vibrant cocktail bar and taco lounge by chef wes avila, serves tacos and cocktails overlooking the lobby. the all-day american restaurant by chef naomi pomeroy is slated to open later in the year adjacent to a verdant garden courtyard.

all guest rooms feature original artwork by samiro yunoki
photo by yoshihiro makino

‘working with so many talented collaborators — from architect kengo kuma and commune design, to our culinary partners and the dozens of artists and artisans from japan and the US — is the foundation of ace hotel kyoto,’ continues kelly sawdon of ace hotel group, ‘a celebration of community and one we can’t wait to share and build with friends new and old.’

bathrooms feature slate tiles and natural ash wood ceilings
photo by yoshihiro makino