Located in Kinosaki hot spring in Hyogo, Mikiya is a traditional Japanese ryokan known for its 300-year history, and as a registered tangible cultural property. At the same time Mikiya was facing inevitable deterioration, and started this renovation, thus the entire project was based on the idea of updating the facility while maintaining the existing elements and atmosphere. In the fourth phase of this project, the private baths, Futami no Yu and Room 22, a special room that once welcomed members of the royal family, was renovated.

The innovative part of the renovation of Room 22 was updated to a Japanese-Western blend consisting of one Japanese-style room and a Western-style room which originally had two Japanese-style room. Through the project, we focused on creating various connections between the spaces. For example, by taking advantage of the difference in elevation made by removing the existing floor, a porch-like function was created between the two rooms. The idea was to lower the level in the Western-style room which serves as the bedroom when viewed from the Japanese-style room. The alcove was removed only in the Western-style room. The wooden planks used for the alcove were reused as a part of flooring for the porch. In addition, the single wood board used for the entrance step was divided and reassembled with a washed-out floor, and other sustainable materials were inherited. In addition, the ceiling of the Western-style room and the upper part of the bedhead were covered with an arched ceiling inspired by traditional Western-style buildings. 

The walls and ceiling were finished integrally with plaster to create a softness throughout the space. In addition, the transoms at the boundaries between the Western and Japanese-style rooms were replaced with glass, creating a connection between the spaces while dividing them as rooms. The sliding shoji doors were replaced with gradient sandblasted glass on the Western-style porch only. While visually maintaining a view into the garden, and creating a sense of spaciousness and serenity simultaneously. The bedhead lighting and lounge chairs were originally designed and manufactured.

The Futami no Yu was entirely designed with granite finished by a jet burner. The drainage area, which was required because of the continuous flow of water, was covered with cobble gravel, and the ceiling was partially covered with latticework of Aomori cypress, adding a change to the bathroom space. In addition, the wall surface was replaced with a single-pane FIX window that emphasizes horizontal lines. By reducing the height of the windows, we aimed to create a relaxing space where brightness and darkness coexist. The baths were designed to visually experience the free-flowing water.

Despite the simplicity, by seeking the functionality we aimed to increase the innovation and creativity of this project. We hope that this hotel remains for a long time, which will leads the sustainability of MIKIYA’s history.