Nagasaki, Japan
This hotel in Kyushu is inspired by the traditional Japanese ryokan, an inn often located near an onsen, or hot spring. Some of Japan’s hot spring resorts are sited in volcanic landscapes known as jigoku, where geothermal heat prevents grass and trees from growing. The hotel design integrates itself into the site — the largest jigoku in the region — with commanding views of the dramatic surroundings. The reddish-brown sloping roof and exterior walls with subtly differing patterns create the impression of a volume that slides into the natural environment. The landscape design creates a continuous flow and spatial narrative that brings guests from the hotel lobby to the bathhouse and open-air baths.
