Yasumichi Morita's Award-Winning Design: Hiramatsu Hotels and Resorts Atami

A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation in Japanese Hospitality

Located in Atami, Shizuoka, Japan, the resort overlooks the Sagami Bay ocean, offering guests a view of the two islands of Hatsushima and Izu Oshima. The design was influenced by the location, aiming to keep the view as minimal as only sky and ocean. A black tile pool was designed for the rooftop of the extension building to unite the sky and the sea, creating an unusual and dramatic ambiance with the alignment of flames against water.

The building was built by a master of constructing traditional Japanese houses and tea rooms. Morita respected the original builder's philosophy and preserved as many Sukiyazukuri parts as possible. Sukiyazukuri is a form of architecture that was developed by a Japanese tea master, Rikyu, who incorporated Zen, a form of Buddhism, into a traditional architectural way. The architecture is extremely simple and consists of natural materials.

Gray stone and granite are used for bathtubs and washbasins, with natural stones used where the skin touches directly. Granite was chosen considering the influence of hot spring and sea breeze. Green tiles are adapted for floor walls around plumbing because they are not slippy, have unevenness like the surface of teaware, and harmonize well with the colors of the sea, sky, and bamboo forest.

Each wood corner of the walls was shaved randomly with a sword to make it warm, not artificial. Stylish elements were arranged to match Japanese four seasons and fuse Japanese and Western designs. The green wallpaper of bedrooms has a touch like Japanese hemp fabric, and the color changes delicately depending on the viewing angle.

In the guestrooms, guests may feel French esprit, having a brilliant view of the ocean and integrated with the ocean, and in the restaurant, guests will view integration of the sky and the black tile pool which reflects the sky. Both designs express that the client is Japanese whereas he is a master of French cuisine.

Yasumichi Morita's design for Hiramatsu Hotels and Resorts Atami is a remarkable example of how tradition and innovation can come together to create a unique and engaging experience. It is a testament to the power of design in enhancing the hospitality experience and a worthy recipient of the Silver A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award.