Experience Serenity: NOT A HOTEL Setouchi - Where Nature Meets Modern Luxury
The Visionary Design of NOT A HOTEL Setouchi: A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation
Bjarke Ingels Group's NOT A HOTEL Setouchi project on Sagishima Island marks a significant milestone as their inaugural completed work in Japan. Spanning an expansive 30,000-square-meter site on the island's southwestern cape, the development features three unique villas. A core element of their construction involves load-bearing walls crafted from locally excavated soil, employing the ancient technique of rammed earth. This approach not only minimizes environmental impact but also anchors the structures deeply within their natural surroundings.
Architectural Dialogue: Japanese Vernacular Reimagined with Scandinavian Sensibility
The architectural philosophy behind NOT A HOTEL Setouchi elegantly reinterprets traditional Japanese design tenets through a distinctive Scandinavian lens. Glass facades, reminiscent of shoji screens, blur the distinction between interior and exterior spaces, fostering a profound connection to the surrounding nature. Inside, black slate floors evoke the geometric precision of tatami mats. The roofs are adorned with low-reflective solar tiles, a contemporary adaptation of classic Japanese roofing, while operable facades and extended overhangs facilitate passive cooling. An integrated rainwater harvesting system sustains the lush landscaping. Before construction began, indigenous grasses were carefully transplanted and later reintroduced alongside newly planted olive and lemon trees, ensuring the preservation and enhancement of the site's undulating character.
Panoramic Perspectives: Three Villas, Endless Views of Sagishima Island
The trio of four-bedroom villas, each named '180', '270', and '360' to reflect their unique panoramic vistas, are thoughtfully dispersed across the varied elevations of the island. Each villa's design is meticulously tailored to its specific location. '360', perched at the highest point, offers sweeping, unobstructed views in every direction, organized around a tranquil inner courtyard. '270' frames breathtaking views of the surrounding archipelago, complete with a sauna, firepit, and outdoor lounging areas centered around a swimming pool. '180', situated nearest to the water, mirrors the curved contours of the coastline, featuring a verdant mossy courtyard planted with trees that transition with the seasons. Internally, each villa is conceived as a seamless, flowing space, with bathrooms and storage discreetly housed within separate pods topped with skylights, ensuring every room benefits from natural light and sky views.
Exclusive Ownership: A Luxury Fractional Model
NOT A HOTEL Setouchi is an integral part of the NOT A HOTEL brand's expanding portfolio of luxury vacation homes across Japan. These exquisite properties are offered through a fractional ownership model, providing an exclusive opportunity for individuals to own a share in these remarkable architectural masterpieces.