Strata Naha Hotel by Uds Ltd. Wins the Golden A' Design Award in Interior Space and Exhibition Design

The Work

Project

Strata Naha Hotel

Function

Hotel

Category

Interior Space and Exhibition Design

Discipline

Spatial Design

Industry

Architecture and Packaging & Retail

Colors

Dark Olive Green, Dim Gray, Dark Slate Gray, Gray and Rosy Brown

Images

5

Client

Hotel Strata Naha

The Recognition

Laureate

Uds Ltd.

Country

Japan

Recognition

Golden A' Design Award

Edition

2020 - 2021

Design ID

#122723

Credits

Team

Koichi Tomiyama, Chihiro Yukawa, Rio Tomoguchi, Ayako Sasaki, Wakako Yoshino, Akihiro Sekiya, Norito Nakahara, Satoshi Koizumi, Haruhi Fujita, Yusaku Takahashi, Kumiko Fujisawa, Chiharu Taniguchi, Dugout,LLC, Design Studio RyukyuGakudan Ltd., ICE,Ltd., Naomi Hirabayashi, RENEMIA, Seichiro Inamine, Takuya Toshinkawa, Yoshiaki Imamura, Osamu Kajiku, Go Kadena, Yukari Kadena, Toma Chinen,Masato Toyama, Aya Nakasone, Masumi Akamine, Yuriko Nishiishigaki, Akane Fujita, Noritaka Yamamoto and Okinawa UDS Ltd.

Image Credits

image #1 and Optional Image #1,3,4: Nakasa and Partners Inc. Optional; Yuna Yagi

Design Details

Unique Properties

The project plans to create a unique 'city resort' hotel in the heart of Naha-city, Okinawa. The name "STRATA" was inspired by the land's rich nature and culture, which means layers of earth; it aims to discover layers of preexisting cultural gems and adding new layers of value to the ongoing cultural contents. The project also aimed to create a hotel that connects with the local community; original textiles are incorporated in a modern interior design by collaborating with local traditional artisans. The hotel has become a valuable accommodation choice for the guests where one can escape the city and relax at a convenient location and reasonable pricing.

Inspiration

Approximately 500 years ago, the project site was submerged in the ocean, and there is an ancient forest next to the property, which was once an island. Additionally, a causeway connecting islands to the capital of Shuri, an important trade route for the Ryukyu kingdom, was passed by. The concept of "STRATA" was created based on the research of the land's historical and geological importance, leading the project to deeply connect to the traditions and cultures cultivated through Okinawa's rich nature and history.

Research

The design concept and brand story were developed by tracing the land and culture's history around the planned site back to about 500 years ago. The architecture, interior, furniture, art, and decorations were comprehensively designed to follow the story. The interior designers researched traditional crafts history in the region and collaborated with multiple local artisans to challenge new expressions. The building's louvers are designed from traditional textile patterns in the region and change their appearance depending on the light shades.

Challenge

The project obtained special permission from the government and proceeded on large-scale development by being acknowledged for its contributions to the region. All of the craftworks that take part in the interior design were created in close collaboration with local artisans. The designer and the local craftsman spent much time discussing production techniques, designs, sizes, and colors to achieve its quality. Besides, cost control across architecture, interior design, and furniture design was implemented to secure the plenty of craftwork budget.

Realization and Technology

The project's design achieved a modern expression while using conventional materials from the region, such as Ryukyu limestone, traditional red roof tiles, and locally sourced mud. The interior and the exterior spaces are integrated continuously; some external materials were introduced for the interior finishes. Based on the local geological data, plastered walls with different colors were adopted for each floor visible from the outside. The wooden ceiling of the restaurant is referencing the pattern of the traditional woven textile as well.

Operation and Interaction

The hotel purposed to be open its doors to the local community; the restaurant entrance on the first floor is placed directly on the main street—the project intended to revitalize the area by creating lively neighborhood sceneries. Incorporating various craftworks throughout the hotel generates opportunities for the local artisans and supports local businesses. Furthermore, by engaging in its design to its operation, a company like UDS consistently keeps the storytelling alive and consecutive.

Project Duration and Location

The project started in April 2016 in Naha city, Okinawa, Japan. Naha is the largest city in Okinawa, a prefecture comprising more than 150 islands in the East China Sea between Taiwan and Japan's mainland. Okinawa is known for its tropical climate, broad beaches, coral reefs, and World War II heritage. The hotel is located in Naha, the closest monorail station, Miebashi, which is 30 seconds walk away from the site, and 7 stops from Naha International Airport. The hotel was completed and started its operation in April 2020.

Specifications

Fifteen stories Reinforced Concrete structure, the floor area is about 8,040 square meters. The height of the building is about 50 meters; it contains 221 guest rooms.

Keywords

Strata, Hotel, Resort, Asia, Japan, Okinawa, Naha, Crafts, Design Hotel, City Resort