Perched on the secluded and picturesque Sagishima Island, Japanese hospitality group NOT A HOTEL is set to expand its offerings with three new luxury villas. A creation of Danish architecture company, Bjarke Ingles Group (BIG), these new villas will couple Japanese and Scandinavian design aesthetics with a commitment to nature and sustainability.
Scandinavian designers have a longstanding fascination with Japanese design principles, particularly their emphasis on minimalism, use of natural materials, and a harmonious relationship with the natural environment. This fascination began in the 19th century when Japan opened its borders to the world and remains strong today. These principles continue to shape the design ethos of NOT A HOTEL Setouchi.
Each villa will incorporate elements of traditional Japanese architecture, with a modern twist. They will be built with rammed earth using soil taken directly from the site, a technique traditionally used in the region, and will include features such as glass facades and natural slate floors that nod towards traditional Japanese shoji screens and tatami mats, respectively.
The three villas are named for the degrees of their breathtaking panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea and its surrounding mountains: 360, 270 and 180. ‘360’ is a ring-shaped villa, positioned on a high point of the island, that boasts gorgeous views from every angle of the house and features a courtyard in the center for privacy. ‘270’ offers a 270-degree view of the archipelago and includes a pool, sauna and an open firepit. ‘180’ is situated at the tip of the peninsula, closest to the water, and its curvature is designed to mirror the coastal landscape.
For BIG, sustainability is a priority, and NOT A HOTEL Setouchi reflects this by covering the elevated roofs of all three villas with solar paneling. These roofs also collect rainwater which will be used to irrigate the surrounding natural landscapes, and facades and overhangs incorporated into the design will keep the villa’s cool throughout spring and summer, reducing the need for air conditioning. NOT A HOTEL Setouchi is also committed to reforestation of the lush forestry on Sagishima Island. Prior to the start of building, native grass will be collected, along with olive trees, lemon trees, and other local plants. The salvaged vegetation will be replanted to enrich the island’s natural landscape.
These sophisticated villas wind through the landscape of Sagishima Island and seek to open the eyes of visitors to the beauty of the Setouchi region of Japan. Combining Japanese and Scandinavian design elements with an ethos centered around preserving nature, NOT A HOTEL Setouchi is set to be a breathtaking addition to NOT A HOTEL’s expanding locations across Japan.
