Housing and Hotels.Where is the boundary between them?

The actions of eating, sleeping, bathing, and living are the same whether at home or staying in a hotel. Even if there is a difference in services, the assumption that the space required in these places is categorised into "the everyday and the extraordinary" raises questions.

NOT A HOTEL extends the concept of ownership and use of architecture through technology, enabling the purpose to shift easily via a smartphone from being used as a residence to being rented as a hotel. This system also incorporates a shareable purchase model. By renting it to the public on the days when a villa owner is not using, the space transforms into a hotel, allowing for temporary stays. While the concept of intermediary spaces has been discussed for some time, there is now a need for architecture that embraces this new idea of spaces functioning flexibly, accommodating such transitions.

The new building planned within the beautiful pasture with gentle ridgelines must balance strength and harmony. We believe it should coexist with the magnificent natural surroundings while blending seamlessly into the environment and landscape. To achieve this, the design follows the slope of the land, integrating the site as a sculptural element within the landscape.

By embedding the building into the slope and minimising protrusions, the aim is to achieve coexistence with the undulating terrain of the pasture. Internally, the design prioritises a close connection with the land. Each function, positioned along the slope, creates opportunities to engage with the natural surroundings—bedrooms nestled into the earth, a dimly lit water bath illuminated dramatically by natural light, and a bedroom offering the chance to sleep under the stars.

In designing structures within nature, the focus often lies on framing views through openings. However, here, the emphasis shifts to physically interacting with the landscape itself. As its name suggests, “NOT A HOTEL NASU CAVE” offers an experience reminiscent of being in a natural "cave," seamlessly blending the everyday with the extraordinary and bridging the gap between residential and hotel functions.

The concept of purchasing homes through mobile technology represents a shift in the way architecture is used and experienced. The success of NOT A HOTEL, as evidenced by the rapid embrace of the concept upon its launch, reflects the evolution of living and ownership. As lifestyles diversify and technology enables new possibilities, architecture seems in need to adapt to meet these changing demands. This project demonstrates the expanding role of design in creating spaces that align with contemporary needs and aspirations.