ZHA designs a coastal hotel shaped by Okinawa’s terrain
Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) has unveiled its design for the first vertex by NOT A HOTEL, a coastal retreat in Okinawa, Japan. This project marks the debut of NOT A HOTEL’s new brand line. Nestled between the island’s vibrant turquoise bay and dense subtropical forest, the retreat extends ZHA’s four-decade-long relationship with Japan, transforming the studio’s research into landscape-inspired architecture for a remarkably sensitive coastal location.
The hotel is conceived as an extension of the site’s rock formations, composed of a sequence of stepped horizontal planes, lush courtyards, and gardens. Its design and choice of materials are shaped by comprehensive environmental studies, including analyses of temperature, humidity, rainfall, prevailing winds, solar irradiation, and air quality throughout the year. Data from these studies was used to generate digital models, informing the building’s orientation, spatial organization, and envelope—enhancing guest comfort while maximizing environmental performance in Okinawa’s humid subtropical climate.
“Inspired by the site’s dramatic topography, our design continues ZHA’s exploration of composition and materiality, drawing from natural landscape formations. The hotel’s stepped canopies transition gently from the unique shoreline geology to the rainforest’s dense greenery, offering uninterrupted ocean views and a strong connection to the surroundings. At the same time, the architecture ensures privacy and guides guests on a journey through the region’s diverse natural ecosystems,” explains ZHA project director Ludovico Lombardi.
all images by Negativ
NOT A HOTEL frames hospitality through landscape and ecology
Spanning a 25,322-square-meter site, the hotel sits on the narrow band where white sand beaches merge with steep, forested slopes. The architecture is carefully integrated into the landscape to minimize environmental impact and protect both coastal and marine ecosystems. Each villa is positioned to guarantee panoramic ocean views and a sense of seclusion, while communal amenities are arranged across stepped terraces that echo the natural contours of the shoreline.
The design is deeply influenced by Okinawa’s unique geological history, defined by Ryukyu limestone—formed from ancient coral reefs over 400,000 years ago. This landscape, paired with the island’s humid microclimate, supports a thriving subtropical rainforest along the coast. Adhering to stringent guidelines from the island’s forestry commission, marine conservationists, and environmental authorities, ZHA’s approach ‘floats’ the building at the border of forest and beach, greatly reducing its footprint and helping to preserve local biodiversity.
A year-long study of daily sunlight patterns informed the creation of the hotel’s signature canopies. These broad overhangs extend from the structure, creating layered terraces that cascade toward the sea. They reinterpret the deep eaves typical of Okinawa’s traditional architecture, providing shaded outdoor walkways and living areas while reducing heat gain and glare.
a continuation of the existing rock formations
local materials and monsoon-responsive design
The project is infused with local craftsmanship and material traditions. Okinawa pine, limestone sourced from nearby quarries, and ceramics made in regional workshops reinforce the retreat’s sense of place and celebrate the island’s rich artisan culture. Natural ventilation is a key feature throughout communal areas, guest rooms, suites, and villas, taking advantage of the prevailing Kāchibē winds that bring cool ocean breezes inland during summer.
Situated within the Pacific Ocean’s East Monsoon region, the hotel is engineered to withstand severe weather. All structures are raised at least 6.5 meters above the high-water mark to protect against storm surges, and the design is built to resist powerful winds, heavy rain, and seismic events characteristic of Okinawa’s coastal environment.
Both construction and long-term operations focus on reducing ecological impact, utilizing modular prefabricated systems. The building’s facade and structural elements are finished in pale hues and textures reminiscent of the island’s coral beaches. Precision-crafted concrete components use recycled aggregates from decommissioned local buildings, supporting a circular approach to material use.
the hotel is articulated as a series of stepped horizontal planes
<img decoding="async" class="wp-image-1170091 size-full lazyload" bad-src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" alt="zaha hadid architects shapes stepped coastal retreat
