BIG Unveils Rammed-Earth Villas in Japan
Danish architecture studio BIG has introduced its inaugural projects in Japan, a collection of three rammed-earth villas situated on the tranquil island of Sagishima. Commissioned by Not A Hotel, these distinctive accommodations are part of the Not A Hotel Setouchi development, which also features a communal restaurant and exclusive access to a private beach. The design ethos behind these residences emphasizes a deep connection to the natural environment, with structures that appear to emerge organically from the dramatic topography of the 30,000-square-meter beachfront property. This approach ensures that guests are immersed in the stunning landscape, enjoying expansive, uninterrupted vistas of the Japanese coastline.
These innovative villas represent a significant milestone for BIG, marking their first completed works in a country renowned for its profound architectural heritage. The firm's founder, Bjarke Ingels, expressed his admiration for Japanese culture and its formative influence on his architectural philosophy. He likened the Sagishima archipelago to a traditional Japanese landscape painting, characterized by its rolling hills adorned with verdant foliage that rise gracefully from the serene Seto Inland Sea. The four pavilions, as Ingels describes them, are conceived as natural extensions of this breathtaking terrain. Each villa is designed to function as an 'inhabited view,' offering open, outward-facing perspectives while simultaneously providing a private, protected sanctuary defined by its enclosing walls and open to the sky above.
Architectural Harmony with Nature
The Not A Hotel Setouchi villas by BIG are a testament to how modern architecture can seamlessly integrate with the natural world. Utilising rammed earth sourced directly from the site, the structures coil up the hillside like a delicate ribbon, mirroring the contours of the landscape. This strategic positioning not only camouflages the villas within their environment but also optimizes panoramic views, with each residence uniquely oriented to capture its specific vantage point. The commitment to ecological design is evident in the choice of materials and the overall layout, which respects and enhances the island's pristine beauty. The project highlights a thoughtful approach to site-specific design, where every element contributes to an immersive and harmonious guest experience.
The architectural journey of these villas began with an exploration of Sagishima's terraced landscape, a process that inspired the curving forms and long facades designed to embrace the expansive sea views. This deep engagement with the site's characteristics led to the creation of three distinct villas, each offering a unique perspective and set of amenities. Villa 360, perched at the highest elevation, boasts a ring-shaped pavilion with panoramic views around a central courtyard. Villa 270, centrally located, provides a 270-degree vista of the sea and features a sauna and 'floating island' loungers around a pool. The closest to the water, Villa 180, echoes the coastline's curvature with an inner courtyard adorned with mossy pathways. Throughout, glass facades blur the line between indoor and outdoor spaces, complemented by traditional Japanese architectural elements such as black-slate floors reminiscent of tatami mats and solar-tiled roofs that pay homage to historical roof designs. The interiors are conceived as expansive, unified spaces with skylit pods housing bathrooms and storage, complete with Japanese baths, heated infinity pools, and serene color palettes, exemplifying a fusion of Danish design and traditional Japanese precision.
Sustainable Design and Cultural Integration
The construction of the Not A Hotel Setouchi villas exemplifies a dedication to sustainable practices and a thoughtful integration of cultural aesthetics. By employing rammed earth directly from the building site, BIG has significantly reduced the environmental footprint while creating structures that feel intrinsically connected to their surroundings. This approach aligns with a broader movement in contemporary architecture towards eco-conscious design. The subtle nods to traditional Japanese architecture, such as the black-slate flooring and solar-tiled roofs, are not merely decorative but serve to ground the modern design within the rich cultural context of Japan, reflecting a deep respect for local heritage and craftsmanship.
The interior design of the villas further reinforces this blend of tradition and modernity, creating environments that are both luxurious and rooted in cultural significance. The open-plan layouts are designed to maximize natural light and views, fostering a sense of tranquility and spaciousness. The inclusion of traditional Japanese baths and heated infinity pools underscores a commitment to guest well-being, offering serene spaces for relaxation and contemplation. The choice of calming color palettes contributes to an atmosphere of peace, making each villa a sanctuary where guests can unwind and reconnect with nature. This thoughtful combination of Danish design principles, Japanese architectural traditions, and advanced construction techniques culminates in a unique and harmonious guest experience, as highlighted by BIG associate Ryohei Koike, who sees the project as a remarkable convergence of these diverse influences.