NOT A HOTEL Setouchi

“NOT A HOTEL Setouchi are our first completed buildings in Japan, a culture that has had a profound impact on myself and my understanding of architecture; a place where fearless Futurism and deep traditional roots coexist in contrasting harmony. It has been an absolute architectural adventure to work with NOT A HOTEL to make this vision come to life. The archipelago around Sagishima is like a Japanese landscape painting. Steep rolling hills covered in lush green vegetation erupt from the tranquillity of the Seto Inland Sea. The four pavilions are conceived as extensions of the dramatic topography. Hilltops and peninsulas, outcroppings and canyons are outlined by rammed earth walls and solar roofs to provide pavilions with 360-, 270-, 180-, and 90-degree views of the surrounding scenery. On one hand, each home is like an inhabited view, open and extroverted. On the other, their spinal walls outline a private and protected space – open only to the sky. Macrocosmos meets microcosmos, traditional meets modern; Scandinavian and Japanese, the villas are architectural oxymorons embodying seemingly contradictory elements into a holistic hospitable whole.”

“What began as BIG’s ambition to create something that could serve as a gift to the majestic landscape of Setouchi was realized with NOT A HOTEL’s mission to elevate the value of Japan as well as the enduring craftsmanship that still exists across the country, the skill of its builders and artisans, the support of the local community, and the dedication of everyone involved - turning what first felt like a dreamlike fiction into a reality. The project stands as a remarkable convergence of Danish design and philosophy, traditional Japanese architecture, and the technical sophistication and construction precision of contemporary Japan. NOT A HOTEL Setouchi could have only been made in this place, at this moment, and by this team, and that is what makes it truly special.”

"We are beyond honoured to have partnered with BIG in realising the company's first buildings in Japan. This is a landmark moment for NOT A HOTEL's mission to make Japan even more valuable, and we are sure that BIG's three SETOUCHI villas will provide their owners with unprecedented experiences for years to come.”