Bizen Sue Hotel by Kazutoshi Arimoto is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award de Hierro in Diseño de Arquitectura, Edificación y Estructuras Competition Category.

HierroArquitectura· 2025

Bizen Sue Hotel

by Kazutoshi Arimoto

Client: Arimoto Construction Co., Ltd.

A' Design Award de Hierro Winner in Arquitectura Category

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Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #169209

Visit Site View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

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The Design

About Bizen Sue Hotel

Bizen Sue es un hotel situado en la ciudad de Bizen, en la prefectura de Okayama. El edificio de madera de dos plantas está diseñado para integrarse con el paisaje circundante. Los materiales naturales confieren al interior una sensación de calidez y serenidad. El baño está realizado con cerámica de Bizen, una artesanía tradicional local con 1400 años de historia. Numerosas ventanas siguen la pendiente del terreno y permiten la entrada de luz natural y la ventilación natural, reduciendo la necesidad de iluminación artificial y aire acondicionado. Una sala común propicia el encuentro entre los huéspedes. La superficie del terreno es de 718 metros cuadrados.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award de Hierro

Bizen Sue Hotel ha ganado el A' Design Award de Hierro, un reconocimiento prestigioso concedido a buenos diseños que cumplen los requisitos profesionales e industriales que se esperan de creaciones bien diseñadas. Los ganadores de Hierro demuestran gran habilidad, alta especialización, comprensión experta y capacidad creativa de sus creadores. Se espera que Bizen Sue Hotel sea una creación muy apreciada, admirada y querida, práctica e innovadora. Este diseño ganador del A' Design Award de Hierro integra las mejores prácticas del sector y tiene características técnicas competentes unidas a conocimiento práctico y talento. Bizen Sue Hotel es respetado por su minuciosidad y está concebido para aportar mejoras en la calidad de vida que ayudan a hacer del mundo un lugar mejor.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: This building has been designed to blend in with the surrounding natural environment and to become one with the surrounding scenery. By making use of natural materials a space that gives a sense of warmth and calm has been created. The aim is to create a place where visitors can relax their minds and bodies while feeling close to nature.
Furthermore by creating a building that resonates with the local history and culture a special space has been created where visitors can experience the unique charm of the area.
Dimensions & Packaging: Site area 718 square meters
Total floor area 265 square meters
Tags: Architecture, Hotel, NaturalMaterials, Building, Bizenpottery
Production Technology: Wooden architecture second story building
Design Challenge: As the construction site has a difference in elevation we have made use of this characteristic and adopted a design that uses the difference in elevation to create a vaulted structure. This has brought a sense of openness to the space, while also reducing construction costs by minimizing unnecessary construction work. It is a rational design that achieves both functionality and economy while harmonizing with the natural terrain.
Research: While traditional craft Bizen pottery has excellent characteristics as a vase or plate there were many issues with using it as a material for baths. However through the skills and ingenuity of skilled craftsmen we have overcome these difficulties and created a special space that combines texture and functionality. This is a bath that fuses tradition and innovation.
Inspiration: When designing this hotel the first element I focused on was the bath made using the locally crafted pottery bizenyaki
with a 1400 year history bizen pottery is a traditional craft that exudes a rustic yet profound presence adding depth and character to the space by incorporating this material I aimed to create a unique environment where nature history and local culture come together in harmony.
Project Duration: To be completed in 2024 in Bizen City Okayama Prefecture
Operation Flow: We have prepared a room where guests can interact with each other.
In addition we have made effective use of the natural light and wind by placing many windows to take advantage of the difference in elevation and we have secured comfortable lighting and ventilation. We have realized an ecological space that makes the most of natural power without relying on artificial lighting or air conditioning and we have created a sustainable environment where you can spend time comfortably.
Image Credits: Photographer Senichiro Nogami