On the charming island of Okinawa, Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) has unveiled its most recent project, a vertex hotel that honors the region’s distinctive environmental landscape while embodying the fusion of design and technology.
NOT A HOTEL has launched its first hotel brands: HERITAGE by NOT A HOTEL reinterprets architectural heritage, such as temples and museums, through a contemporary sensibility. vertex by NOT A HOTEL embodies design at the intersection of architecture and technology, as ZHA explained.
The hotel, which is tucked away between immaculate beaches and thick forests, is built to leave as little of an ecological imprint as possible while blending in perfectly with the landscape and Ryukyu Limestone formations.
Using creative architectural solutions that comply with environmental guidelines established by local conservation authorities, the design places a high priority on the preservation of Okinawa’s coastal and marine ecosystems.
The building uses natural ventilation to improve guest comfort and is raised to withstand the harsh weather patterns of the area.
ZHA has used regional materials, such as intricately carved Okinawa pine and limestone, to infuse the hotel with the island’s architectural legacy, showcasing the artistry of the local craftspeople.
The custom canopies, a contemporary take on classic architectural elements, provide covered outdoor living areas that complement the subtropical environment and guarantee visitors a memorable stay while honoring the island’s traditions.
This project demonstrates a dedication to sustainable design principles that honor regional heritage and the environment, marking an important milestone in ZHA’s long-standing partnership with Japan.
“Informed by the site’s remarkable topography, the design is a continuation of ZHA’s ongoing research of composition and materiality that is driven by explorations of landscape formations evident in nature,” said Ludovico Lombardi, ZHA Project Director.
“The stepped canopies of the hotel gently transition from the unique geology of the shoreline to the dense vegetation of the rain forest—giving uninterrupted views of the ocean and a deep connection to the surrounding environment, while providing a sense of privacy that enriches user experience and charts a journey through the varied natural ecosystems of the region,” Lombardi added.
Zaha Hadid Architects revealed the silk-inspired bridge of Hangzhou with a sinuous form. In addition, the studio designs a new mixed-use tower in Belgrade. Moreover, the firm received the foundation permit for the Delmore Residences in the town of Surfside, Florida, United States.
Project facts
Client: NOT A HOTEL Co., Ltd.
Architect: Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA)
ZHA Principal: Patrik Schumacher
ZHA Project Director: Ludovico Lombardi
ZHA Project Associates: Takehiko Iseki, Davide Del Giudice
ZHA Project Architects: Natasha Gill, Jose Eduardo Navarrete Deza
ZHA Project Team: June Buasai, Xuanzhi Huang, Maria Lagging, Kalliopi Mouzaki, Yooyeon Noh, Witchaya Jingjit, Emma Sanson, Szu-An-Yao
ZHA Interior Director: Kar-Hwa Ho
ZHA Interior Associate: Roberta Sartori
ZHA Interior Team: Nailu Chen, Maria Ciszek, Andy Lin, Basak Su Ozcelik, Sonia Renehan, Angus Tung, Joshua Yates
Consultants
Local Architect: Kume Sekkei
Structural Engineers: Kume Sekkei
MEP: Kume Sekkei
All renders © Negativ.
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