Zaha Hadid Architects, a UK-based studio, has envisioned a sinuous hotel for hospitality brand Not A Hotel, set to be positioned above a coastal site in Okinawa, Japan.
Planned to sit between a lush forest and a sandy beach, the Vertex Hotel will offer villas, suites, and an outdoor pool within its expansive 25,300-square-metre footprint.
The studio states that the hotel’s design will aim to “preserve the island’s unique coastal and marine ecosystems,” following the guidance of local environmental authorities.
The hotel’s flowing architectural form is inspired by the natural contours of the site’s limestone terrain.
“Building on the existing rock formations, the design closely follows the shoreline’s curves, realized as a sequence of terraced levels, courtyards, and gardens that reflect the diverse topography of the location,” the studio explained.
“Every aspect of the hotel’s composition, orientation, and materials has been shaped by comprehensive studies of its oceanfront setting.”
Visualizations of the project depict the hotel’s rounded floor plates, which extend outward from a predominantly glazed façade and are bordered at ground level by a slender outdoor pool.
Elevated above the beach, the structure will be modular, utilizing prefabricated elements to help reduce the environmental impact of construction on the surrounding area.
The material selection will feature locally sourced pine and limestone, helping the hotel blend seamlessly with its natural environment. Prefabricated concrete components will be finished in tones and textures that evoke the appearance of the region’s white sandy beaches.
“The hotel continues Okinawa’s architectural heritage, highlighting the exceptional craftsmanship of local builders and artisans who work with the area’s finest materials,” stated Zaha Hadid Architects.
Sweeping canopies overlooking the ocean will wrap around the façade, creating shaded outdoor areas reminiscent of the deep eaves found in traditional island architecture.
The shapes of these canopies will be custom-designed, influenced by a detailed study of sunlight patterns across the site.
“The hotel’s series of stepped canopies gradually transition from the rocky shoreline to the dense rainforest, offering uninterrupted ocean views and fostering a strong connection to the natural surroundings,” explained project director Ludovico Lombardi.
The design places an emphasis on natural ventilation throughout the hotel’s communal spaces and villas. All facilities will be raised at least 6.5 metres above the high-water mark to protect against severe coastal weather conditions.
In other recent projects, Zaha Hadid Architects has revealed plans for an Italian hospital centered around multi-level gardens, as well as a waterfront stadium and sports complex in Guangzhou.
The renders are by Negativ.
The post Zaha Hadid Architects designs hotel to wind around Okinawa beach appeared first on Dezeen.
