Bizen Sue Ihhotela by Kazutoshi Arimoto is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 Umklomelo Wensimbi we-A' Design Award in Ukudizayina Ezokwakha, Izakhiwo Nezinhlaka Competition Category.

InsimbiEzokwakha· 2025

Bizen Sue Ihhotela

by Kazutoshi Arimoto

Client: Arimoto Construction Co., Ltd.

Umklomelo Wensimbi we-A' Design Award Winner in Ezokwakha Category

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Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #169209

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Colors

The Design

About Bizen Sue Ihhotela

Bizen Sue lihhotela elitholakala eDolobheni laseBizen, esiFundazweni saseOkayama. Isakhiwo sokhuni sezitezi ezimbili sakhelwe ukuhambisana nendawo ezungezile. Izinto zemvelo zinika ingaphakathi umuzwa wokufudumala nokuthula. Ibhavu lenziwe ngezitsha zikaBizen, umsebenzi wezandla wendabuko wendawo onomlando weminyaka engu-1400. Amafasitele amaningi alandela ukuthambeka kwendawo futhi angenisa ukukhanya kwemini nokumoshekiswa kwemvelo, okwehlisa isidingo sokukhanyisa okwenziwe ngokwenza kanye nokupholisa umoya. Igumbi elabelwanayo livumela izivakashi ukuthi zihlangane. Indawo yesayithi ingamamitha esikwele angu-718.

The Recognition

About the Umklomelo Wensimbi we-A' Design Award

Bizen Sue Ihhotela iwinile uMklomelo Wensimbi we-A' Design Award, ukwaziswa okuhloniphekile okunikezwa imiklamo emihle ehlangabezana nezidingo zobungcweti nezemboni ezilindelekile ezimpahleni ezihlelwe kahle. Abawinile beNsimbi babonisa ikhono elikhulu, ubungcweti obuphezulu, ukuqonda kochwepheshe namandla okudala abadali babo. Bizen Sue Ihhotela ilindeleke ukuba ibe yinto exatshwa kakhulu, edunyiswayo nethandwayo esebenzayo nenezinto ezintsha. Lo mklamo owinile uMklomelo Wensimbi we-A' Design Award uhlanganisa izindlela ezinhle kakhulu zemboni futhi unezimfanelo zobuchwepheshe ezifanelekile ezihlanganiswe nolwazi nethalente. Bizen Sue Ihhotela iyahlonishwa ngenxa yokucophelela kwayo futhi ihlelelwe ukulethela izinguquko zomgangatho wempilo ezisiza ukwenza umhlaba ube yindawo engcono.

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