Start-up hotel brand Not a Hostel has partnered with Danish architecture firm Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) to launch a residential project on Sagami Island. In collaboration with Danish architecture firm Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), the project features a sophisticated curved layout that subtly blends the island's undulating topography and complements the verdant natural landscape. "Danish traditional modern architecture is heavily influenced by traditional Japanese architecture – simplicity, no frills, meticulous attention to detail, and the use of ordinary materials have influenced Danish populist design," the architect notes. This connection reflects the symbiotic relationship between the two cultures, each influencing and inspiring the other, which is evident in this project". (Editor's note: Nonsense.) ）
Known for iconic projects such as Google's headquarters, Legoland parks, and Noma 2.0 restaurants, BIG has brought its innovative tentacles to this vibrant corner of Japan, known for its abundance of arts and tourist attractions. The geomorphological features of the island are "dense and spectacular archipelagos", which provide architects with a fascinating picture. The collaboration between BIG and Not a Hotel promises extraordinary results. Ingalls expressed his anticipation, saying: "Our collaboration so far has been incredible and I look forward to spending my first night in the fruits of our collaboration".
"Not a hotel" presents its properties in the form of rental holiday villas, emphasizing the departure from the traditional way of staying in hotels. They point out that, in general, the owner of a second home stays about 20 days per year in his holiday home. With a focus on minimising waste, Not a Hotel designs villas for common use by members using a model similar to timeshare rentals. Previous projects have included an undulating green villa designed by Sou Fujimoto on Ishigaki Island in Okinawa, and Masterpiece, a steel-framed residential project designed by Suppose Design Office.
Project Information:
名称： Not a Hotel Setouchi
建筑师：Bjarke Ingels Group | @bjarkeingels
Location: Aijima City, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan
Client: Not a hotel | @notahotel_official