A Guest Room Inspired by the Sensation of Being Cradled by Warm Sand

Situated within a historic Japanese traditional inn in southern Japan, Hakusha-no-ma is a guest room that reinterprets the notion of omotenashi—Japanese hospitality—through space, material, and memory. Drawing inspiration from Ibusuki’s traditional sand-steam bathing ritual—where warm geothermal sand envelops the body—the room reimagines this deeply rooted local practice as a spatial experience. Rather than referencing tradition decoratively, the space evokes it sensorially, offering guests the feeling of being gently cradled by the earth.

Softly sculpted like a cave, the room evokes stillness and a primal sense of comfort. Local sand, volcanic plaster, and native woods are thoughtfully selected to create a warm, tactile architectural language. Lighting is deliberately restrained, and every surface is designed to invite touch. Rather than showcasing culture as ornamentation, the room becomes a spatial embodiment of the place itself.

Functionally, the space eliminates walls and rigid divisions, embracing a variety of activities—sleeping, reading, writing, making tea, napping, quiet contemplation—with ease. Zones are gently defined by shifts in floor level and materiality. A custom bed anchors the center, complemented by a reading sofa, a raised meditation platform with sea views, a sunken tea area, a tatami napping zone, and a writing desk integrated into the headboard. Soft steps, thick carpet, and indirect lighting ensure comfort and safety, creating an inclusive space that welcomes guests of all ages, including the elderly.

Innovation lies in the idea of “creativity through restraint.” By embedding tradition into the spatial form rather than relying on symbols or decoration, the design creates a deeply rooted, multisensory, and emotionally resonant hospitality experience. Here, hospitality is not a service but a feeling—something that lingers in the senses.
Creativity is also expressed through the poetic use of local resources. Materials are chosen not only for their sustainability but also for their narrative power. Each element is simple, tactile, and quietly engages in dialogue with time, place, and people.

Environmental consciousness was integrated from the outset. The use of local materials reduces emissions from transport and supports regional artisans. Passive thermal strategies—including a highly insulated envelope, total heat-exchange ventilation, Low-E double glazing, and automated blinds—reduce energy consumption. Natural hot spring water minimizes freshwater usage, and LED lighting balances energy efficiency with atmosphere.

Hakusha-no-ma is more than just a guest room—it is a quiet conduit between regional memory and future possibility. Through sustainable, poetic design, it speaks to the senses and offers a new vision for rural revitalization.