Itomachi Hotel 0
Interior for Ikuma Watase
This is the projects aimed at revitalizing the local community by transforming vast agricultural land in Saijo, Japan. The project owner is a company specializing in solar power generation systems, and in order to fulfill its social mission, the hotel has adopted solar power generation systems and ecological materials, making it Japan's first Net Zero Energy Building certified hotel. The design is based on local cultural resources of Uchinuki and Iyo Blue Stone, with the goal of creating a foundation for the revitalization of the town as a symbol of Saijo.
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Itomachi Hotel 0 by Ikuma Watase
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Interior by Ikuma Watase
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Ikuma Watase Itomachi Hotel 0
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Unique Properties
Itomachi Hotel 0 is a zero-energy hotel that has adopted solar power systems and ecological materials, making it the first in Japan to obtain Net Zero Energy Building(ZEB) certification. The design is based on local cultural and environmental resources, specifically Uchinuki (groundwater from well) and Iyo Blue Stone, with the goal of creating a foundation for the revitalization of the town as a symbol of Saijo.
Tags
Hotel, interior, landscape, sustainable, recycling, Renewable Energy, Net Zero Energy Building, SDGs
Production Technology
The layout of the guest rooms was centered around Uchinuki. Each guest room features an open-format washbasin directly across from the entrance, creating a symbolic that evokes the abundant water resources. The villa type has an open-air bath with natural hot spring water that comes from a deeper stratum than Uchinuki. Guests can experience cold and hot types of water, which is a rare environmental resource of Saijo.
Design Challenge
Japan is facing a serious population decline, particularly in rural areas where urban decay is evident through the increasing number of vacant houses and abandoned farmland. Saijo is experiencing similar challenges, and the project owner, originally from Saijo, was seeking solutions. In response, we thought that by designing the hotel based on Uchinuki and Iyo Blue Stone, guests could experience the charm of Saijo, and the hotel could serve as a symbol for the revitalization of the town.
Project Duration
The project started in November 2021 in Ehime,Japan and finished in March 2024, and ITOMACHI HOTEL 0 was opened in May 2024.
Operation Flow
we proposed ecological design that combines natural resources such as Uchinuki and Iyo Blue Stone with sustainable materials made from recycled glass and fibers, as well as traditional local crafts like washi paper and ceramics. This hotel is committed not only to maintaining the environment during its construction but also to contributing to job creation for local residents and increasing the town's revenue, thereby supporting the revitalization of the community for years to come.
Research
Saijo does not have tourist attractions like those found in Tokyo or Kyoto. However, it boasts a pleasant climate and a rich rural landscape nestled between mountains and the sea, making it an ideal location for urban workers seeking workation opportunities and for people living in nearby cities for a second home. Therefore, we planed kitchen and co-working space, rare for hotels. As a result, the hotel is used by many business guests who aim to "spending time in this town, at this hotel".
Inspiration
The region utilizes underground water from wells called "Uchinuki," unique to the area due to the local terrain, and there is no conventional water supply system as found elsewhere in Japan. This water is very clean and can be consumed directly. The area is also known for producing "Iyo Blue Stone," which has a bluish-green hue with white stripes. The stone changes from a light tone when dry to a darker tone when wet. These two unique resources were used as design keywords for the design.
Image Credits
Image#1-5: Photographer Yoshiro Masuda,2024.
Project Overview
Itomachi Hotel 0 Interior has been a Iron winner in the Interior Space and Exhibition Design award category in the year 2024 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Iron A' Design Award is awarded to good designs that meet the rigorous professional and industrial standards set by the A' Design Awards. This recognition is reserved for works that demonstrate a solid understanding of design principles and show creativity within their execution. Recipients of the Iron A' Design Award are acknowledged for their practical innovations and contributions to their respective fields, providing solutions that improve quality of life and foster positive change. These designs are a testament to the skill and dedication of their creators, showcasing their ability to address real-world challenges through thoughtful design.
Iron Recognition
Ikuma Watase was recognized with the coveted Iron A' Design Award in 2025, a testament to excellence of their work Itomachi Hotel 0 Interior.
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