Reviving Tradition: The Westin Miyako Kyoto Chapel Renovation

Award-winning chapel renovation blends traditional aesthetics with modern design

The Westin Miyako Kyoto, a hotel with a rich history of 130 years, is nestled in the Higashiyama district's foothills. The chapel, a separate building on the hotel property, underwent a major renovation and earthquake retrofit, maintaining the hotel's elegance and quality. The redesigned chapel now caters to the diverse wedding styles of contemporary couples, accommodating not only conventional church ceremonies but also Shinto and non-religious ceremonies.

The design inspiration for the chapel was drawn from the abundant natural surroundings. Rock and wood take center stage in this sacred space, embodying a traditional Japanese aesthetic. The existing framework was utilized as much as possible, with elements of traditional shrine and temple architecture incorporated. A wooden ceiling lattice interwoven with indirect lighting was added, creating an illusion of sunlight pouring through tree branches and highlighting the beauty of shadows and gradations.

The renovation project, which started in April 2019 and concluded in April 2020, was carried out in Kyoto, Japan. The designers faced the challenge of creating a new space without altering the building’s existing framework. This condition ruled out the installation of skylights, so artificial lighting was used to replicate the appearance of natural light. Regulations required that the wooden latticework on the ceiling and walls be semi-fireproof, so fire retardant lumber was used.

One of the unique features of this renovation is the redesigned windows. The mullions were removed to increase transparency and strengthen the connection with the woods behind the building. A sunny light was shone on the natural-stone wall to bring the exterior space into the interior. The atmosphere created by the materials themselves was valued, expressing the contrast between delicacy and strength through the use of stained, fire-proofed cedar woods and unpolished granite from the mountains of Shodoshima.

The Westin Miyako Kyoto Chapel renovation is a testament to the power of innovative design in preserving cultural heritage. It is a space that respects tradition while embracing the future, a perfect blend of the old and the new. This project, a winner of the prestigious A' Design Award, showcases the designers' prodigy and wisdom, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with its desirable characteristics.