Bizen Sue

Hotel for Arimoto Construction Co., Ltd.

This hotel is designed to harmonize with the natural landscape offering stunning views of the lush mountains of Okayama. Large windows frame the changing seasons bringing the region's unique beauty into the space while the warmth of wood and natural materials creates a peaceful immersive atmosphere. Notably the local specialty Bizen pottery used in the bath adds depth and character to the space with its 1400year old history. This hotel is more than just a place to stay it is a space where nature history and culture come together providing guests with a truly restorative experience.

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Bizen Sue by Kazutoshi Arimoto

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Hotel by Kazutoshi Arimoto

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Kazutoshi Arimoto Bizen Sue

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Kazutoshi Arimoto Hotel

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Arimoto Construction Co Ltd Brand Logo

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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.

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.

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.

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.

Image Credits

Photographer Senichiro Nogami

Project Overview

Bizen Sue Hotel has been a Iron winner in the Architecture, Building and Structure 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

Kazutoshi Arimoto was recognized with the coveted Iron A' Design Award in 2025, a testament to excellence of their work Bizen Sue Hotel.

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